Frequently Asked Questions
- Who was Maria Montessori?
Dr. Maria Montessori born in Chiaravalle Italy. In her early teens she entered engineering school then a medical school becoming the first woman Doctor of Medicine in Italy in 1896. From observing young underprivileged patients, Dr. Montessori determined that environment was the most important factor in their behavior than previously believed. She designed learning materials and observed children learn as they used them. These materials combined with a specifically prepared environment and trained teachers led to the Montessori method of education.
- What is the goal of Montessori education?
The Montessori concept is based on the principle that children are always eager to learn, explore and try new things and master new skills. For this they have to be given the right and prepared environment with various materials and the freedom to explore their own capabilities. Only then we will get dramatic result with regard to their overall development.
- What is special about Montessori materials?
The Montessori classroom has top quality, child sized furnishings with all the learning material on them. All the materials are designed with a specific purpose in mind and according to a child’s age. Children are once taught how to use the materials and are then free to move around the classroom and select their activity. Montessori materials are specifically designed to be self correcting for errors, allowing the children to learn on their own.
- What is different about a Montessori teacher ?
In Montessori classroom the place of traditional teacher is held by a trained Montessori directress who is certified after hundreds of hours of specialized training. They are skilled at asking questions rather than providing answers. They know how to observe children as they learn. They know how to help a child build self confidence and self esteem which is the most important thing in today’s life.
- How Montessori teaching is different from traditional teaching.
| Montessori | Traditional |
| Children learn by handling objects & explore themselves Self correcting materials Individual learning Freedom to move and work within classroom Work for joy of working and sense of discovery Environment provides discipline Encouraged to help one another Child centered learning environment Self education through self correcting materials Recognition of sensitive periods 3 teachers in 1 classroom of 25 students. | Teacher lectures Teacher corrects errors Group Learning Assigned seats and specific class periodsWork because they are told to Teacher provides discipline Seeks help from teacher Teacher centered Use of reward and punishment in motivation All children treated alike 1 Teacher in 1 classroom of 30-40 students. |