Montessori is an institution based on theories that focus mainly on how to educate and train children to make them compatible with the daily routine. These theories have been suggested by an Italian coach by the name of Maria Montessori. It emphasizes the importance of a child’s adapting to the environment and the role of physical activity in learning practical talent and concepts. However, there are a few pros and cons when it comes to the Montessori learning method. They are as described below.
Montessori is the best example of hands-on learning theory. It encourages children to learn several skills, observation, and both practical through several actions and methods. These methods prompt a child to utilize five senses, intelligence, observation skills, etc. (Lisa, 2006)
All the activities are manipulated in such a way that they pinpoint a child’s skills and basic perceptions. All the activity materials are designed in such a way that they make a child used to the basic concepts of mathematics. Techniques taught by the Montessori Method (Sullenly, 2008) tell about the “Pink Tower” that comprises of several blocks all of the different sizes varying from big to small. Another example is the “Knobbed Cylinder”. This activity offers the children to use their sensorial skills but also assists them in learning how to hold a pencil and the grades of cylinders introduce the children to the different rules and dimensions of arithmetic. Keeping in view the activities and observation skills of children, teachers have personally designed a few items of knowledge and information. They mainly focus on the enhancement of storytelling abilities and the recognition of alphabets. This introduces children to the language area. Science materials also play an important role. Scent and taste activities also prove to be interesting and children learn a lot about how to distinguish between the different tastes and scents around them. The practical life activities must also be included in the Montessori course. These include the cleaning activities such as sweeping, sponging, dusting, etc. These are brought into practice in case there is a mishap or accident. In this case, the children are held responsible for their activities and are required to clean the mess created by them. By conducting this activity, children learn to conduct their activities with more care and a sense of liability. The children are introduced to everyday use products such as glass and wood rather than plastic. This gives them a much real sense of the world around them. Children are taught to fold small rugs by joining the four corners. This practice allows them to learn how to coordinate things and carry out different activities in the perfect manner (Sally, 2004).
Children are given full attention in Montessori. Due to this, they are more motivated, active, and always ready to try new things. This can be very fruitful in some cases while in some this can prove to be a con. Children get used to full-time attention; this is not always present when they move towards a higher level. Teachers at a higher level expect children to work on their own and sit quietly throughout the session. This stops the children from using their skills and creativity. They get subjected to more theoretical work rather than innovative stuff. This conflict of scenario normally retards their mental and physical abilities. Since Montessori is a child-centered approach, less motivated children tend to lag behind their peers in fields of learning (Lisa, 2006).
Children learn best through play whereas Montessori does not always offer a chance for dramatic plays- for example playing house, teacher, doctor, firefighter, etc. These plays allow children to practice their speech and problem-solving skills which prove to be very helpful in everyday lives (The Montessori Foundation, 2006). Montessori education usually makes children dependant on the teachers and they often lose confidence in themselves, relying on the teacher for every small detail. Montessori schools are said to be too rigid. Normally they do not allow children to use their creative potential skills. Outdoor activities are not offered to the children and they are mostly confined to the indoor environment. The indoor environment can prove to be very monotonous to the kids and they can become dull, their creativity skills get retarded and rust with the same boring routine. This can be even more appalling for children who are there for an extended period. Children need to go out and explore so that they can learn on their own. This gives them a sense of independence and authority over themselves. This activity often lacks in Montessori and is not often included in the curriculum (Lawrence, 2007).
There are pros and cons to every existing system and the same goes for Montessori education. There are several pros and cons too. However, the rate of cons to pros is less. The different Montessori’s must realize the importance of outdoor activities so that the children can learn more about the practical life.
References
- Beacham. S. 2004. Digital Scrapbook. Thomas Course Technology.
- Boston. L. 2006. Sing! Play! Create! : Hands-on learning for 3-7 years old. New York: Ideal Publications.
- Siegel. M. L. 2007. Nolo’s IEP Guide: Learning Disabilities. Nolo Publications.
- Sullenly Net. 2008. Montessori Method.
- The Montessori Foundation. 2006. Web.