What is Montessori?

Answer:
Montessori is defined as the type of educational method

which is based on the child-centered approach. It was designed by Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician, educator, philosopher and humanitarian.

Montessori Method of education is very effective way of teaching especially for mentally retarded and physically handicapped children as well as for normal children around the age group of 12 years. Today Montessori Method is being followed in many parts of the world.

The Montessori principles of education are now designed and maintained worldwide by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) which was founded in the year 1929.

The various features of the Montessori Method of Education are: -
(a) Schooling should work according to the nature of the child & not against it.
(b) The moment the child enters the classroom each step in the education is a progressive building block.
(c) It is based on the importance of practical approach in the study.
(d) Teacher’s role is to introduce the materials and than remain as a “silent presence” in the classroom thus controls the environment and not the child.
(e) Montessori Method considers a child as “Adult in the small bodies” so must be left free to understand & develop educational skills i.e. self-directed learning.
(f) This method does not use the traditional method of measurement of child’s performance but utilizes a different approach based on the classroom observation.
(g) Montessori Method emphasizes on the improvement of the child’s weakness.
(h) This method utilizes different Montessori Sensorial Materials to develop child’s imagination power and gross motor skills, etc.

Today many researches have indicated that children attending Montessori schools are more competent, self-disciplined, socially well adjusted and happy through the development of amazing mental concentration.