Montessori figured out a makerspace of sorts for the young learner. Currently, I see us as trying a complementary approach through today's maker movement, incorporating similar pedagogy with new technology for the older student. It makes good sense to me to build a bridge instead of completely reinventing a wheel. Let's make a pedagogical bridge from Montessori to mainstream and learn from the wisdom of an alternative tradition.
Check out the lovely infographic Rachel at Racheous-Lovable Learning was kind enough to allow me to reblog. What makes an activity 'Montessori'?
How can we extend Montessori wisdom into the maker movement?
Let's play. Let's make. Let's build. Let's transform education.
My learning skyrocketed after learning from a Montessorian. It began with literacy and has trickled over into my entire teaching philosophy. My thoughts on most things have changed. I'll share a few of those thoughts as I think through building this bridge.
Thoughts on Interest...
Interest should be engaged through the careful prior, proper preparation of a learning environment. A student's current interests should not dictate the majority of content nor should it drive curriculum. Concentration happens from focused interest. Interest can be engaged through choice, because concentration is an important skill to have for working in the classroom and the world beyond.
"A child who has become master of his acts through long and repeated exercises, and who has been encouraged by the pleasant and interesting activities in which he has been engaged, is a child filled with health and joy and remarkable for his calmness and discipline." (Dr. Maria Montessori, 'The Discovery of the Child', Clio Press Ltd, 92)
Thoughts on Basic Skills...
Students need a strong base in literacy and numeracy. Montessori essentially solved how to reinvent the classroom as a makerspace for discovering and understanding basic skills. The skill is first demonstrated, then solved for understanding through practice. This is often followed with some traditional rote practice. Currently, we most often skip the discovery and go from explanation straight into rote practice. We then remediate by involving the hand but should rather begin instruction including the hand as in the Montessori world. We can provide a rich environment with the materials available for discovering the basic concepts of literacy and numeracy. The analytical nature of the mind should be honored in instruction and concrete trumps abstract for a young learning mind. Students can solve literacy and build numeracy. In a Montessori classroom, math concepts are built in one corner and in another space, a child solves literacy with a movable alphabet. Teachers begin with a demonstration lesson using the materials, carefully observe practice by following a child, and notate mastery unique to each student.
Thoughts on Curriculum....
A curriculum is relevant to education. I hope to see it evolve beyond what it has traditionally been, particularly beyond a one year cycle. A teacher should have a guide or a framework to lead classroom happenings and in the Montessori world, the curriculum runs in three-year cycles, grouping stages of like psychological development together. A robust, well-rounded curriculum does not consist of a textbook and papers. It is executed, rather, through a carefully-prepared environment in the Montessori world.
Thoughts on Standards....
Standards are useful tools of industry that can be used to enhance learning environments by limiting class size, evenly distributing per pupil expenditures, and assessing a teacher's professional performance. However, standards are not well equipped to measure the learning in a young, human mind.
Thoughts on Assessment...
The process is the key and is never overshadowed by a performance deadline because Montessori's wisdom knew arrival points are different and this is why students are grouped together for three years instead of one year. Assessment happens through following a child and instruction is informed consistently with this approach. However, the conventional Montessori wisdom knows the process is much more important than the product and the focus is on the process.
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