|The Montessori, Steiner and Reggio Emilia Model’s||
The Montessori Model: Towards Independent and Critical Thinkers.
Above: Maria Montessori
Founded by Maria Montessori, who 'overcame great difficulties to become one of Italy's first female physians' (Torrence and McNichols (as cited in Roopnarine & Johnson, 2005); the Montessori education model continues to impact upon the way in which children learn in early childhood educational settings. Notably, the Montessori Education Model is somewhat contrary to that of Steiner and Reggio Emilia in that the Montessori model offers a view of the child, influenced by her developmental paradigm.
The Montessori model is based on Maria Montessori’s belief that 'children grow and develop very well if left to do so without too many restrictions but with an orderly environment that promoted efforts at being independent and critical thinkers' (Driscoll & Nagel, 2008). For example, ‘after a child is introduced to the Montessori materials by a guide (teacher), she is free to used them wherever she likes, for as long as she wishes, undisturbed by others’ (Jackman, 2009, pg. 39). In this prospect children are promoted to fully engage with materials in their learning environment; exploring and discovering aspects of them that enhance their individual learning experience.
Furthermore, Montessori materials are also ‘didactic, designed to teach a specific lesson; focused on daily living practical tasks, sensorial, and conceptual materials’ (Jackman, 2009, pg. 39). Some of these materials and tasks include: puzzles, washing dishes and measuring materials.
Montessori key ideas