Language: English

ISSN: 1071-6246

Abstract/Notes: The article derived from Grazia Honegger Fresco’s years in close cooperation with Maria Montessori and Adele Costa Gnocchi. The author illustrates how small children from the moment they start using their hands and are standing unassisted on their own legs must act in their own way. The teacher must observe before acting and intervene as little as possible. Honegger Fresco follows the work of Montessori and Costa Gnocchi and she compares the findings with different fields of science, such as ethnology and neurology. As a result of her observations and experiences she points toward the relationship between a good childhood, and in the long term, human responsibility on Earth, using the concept “the Cosmic Task”. The method in this article is based on autoethnography, as the author shares her personal experience and reflections, both as a teacher and as an educator. The aim is to shed light on aspects regarding the needs of small children and to point at the essential role of adults, educators as well as parents. As Schiedi explains, autoethnography “extends its narrative horizon to a social, professional, organizational dimension of the self” (2016). During Honegger Fresco’s career, she was primarily inspired by Maria Montessori’s research about child development and children’s needs and rights, and she had continuously deepened her understanding by studying other researchers in this field. Thus, the article will share her conviction that by serving the creative spirit of the youngest children we will build a better future for our planet.

Language: English

DOI: 10.16993/jmre.10

ISSN: 2002-3375

Language: French

ISSN: 0996-1119

Abstract/Notes: Children’s future successes depend on developing the abilities to innovate, be resilient in the face of their mistakes, problem-solve creatively, and collaborate with peers effectively. However, standard American educational practices—stressing memorization, grades, and testing—are failing to foster these skills. There is one complete system of education that effectively supports the natural development of such essential abilities: Montessori. Montessori education expert Paula Lillard Preschlack offers a clear explanation of how the Montessori approach helps children. By looking closely at authentic Montessori practices, she shows the tight correlation between the Montessori system in action and children practicing and strengthening the very traits they will need for adulthood. When implemented properly, Montessori can ensure positive outcomes for generations of children—​The Montessori Potential shows exactly how this is done in private and public schools, and at home.

Language: English

Published: Chicago, Illinois: Chicago Review Press, 2023

ISBN: 978-1-64160-892-3

Abstract/Notes: This study investigates the professional identity of Montessori school teachers. The research was conducted using qualitative methodology, specifically in-depth semi-structured interviews with teachers in Montessori schools located in Brno, Czech Republic. The study found that the professional identity of Montessori school teachers consists of two main components: (1) professional identity of the creator of the prepared environment and (2) professional identity of the individual guide. These identities are mainly influenced by factors such as respect for the child's development and freedom in the classroom, as well as their own personal beliefs and values. The results highlight the importance of respecting the individuality of each child and creating a supportive environment that allows for freedom and exploration within structure. This research sheds light on the unique characteristics and challenges faced by Montessori teachers, and provides insights into the development of their professional identity.

Language: English

ISSN: 1837-6290

Abstract/Notes: This article establishes a framework for teaching and learning for mutual respect. I define mutual respect as intervening on power asymmetries typically found in classrooms by way of according students increased equality, autonomy, and equity. In highlighting how equality, autonomy, and equity interact in ongoing and unpredictable ways in classrooms, this framework permits greater awareness of the many dilemmas with which educators are faced. Furthermore, by attending to the different ways mutual respect can be operationalized (i.e., instruction, organization, social relations), this framework can assist school leaders when determining how school-level decisions may interact with mutual respect in classrooms. This framework is thus a tool for researchers and educators when considering how to transform teaching and learning to promote social justice.

Language: English

DOI: 10.3102/0013189X241227445

ISSN: 0013-189X

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040