Parents
have many questions when it comes to Montessori schools: What makes an
educational reformer from early 20th-century Italy relevant here and
now? Why have Maria Montessori’s teachings spread throughout the world
and benefited so many students? To answer these questions, we need to
ask a few others. Who was Maria Montessori? What were the foundations of
her educational model and what benefits did these teachings provide at
the time they were developed?Who Was Maria Montessori?
Few people have had such an impact on primary and secondary childhood education as Maria Montessori. Perhaps this impact stems from the integrity of her teachings. Her work began with her own commitment to learning, she was the first woman in Italy to earn a degree as a doctor of medicine. Only after her medical career did she move on to her groundbreaking work in educational development and reform.
Maria Montessori’s enthusiasm for and commitment to learning was a foundational element of her philosophy. Her program centered around the idea that children are naturally eager to learn. By following these natural impulses, and fostering emergent academic and social skills, Montessori teachers guide children towards the same lifelong commitment to and enjoyment of learning Maria Montessori had herself.
What Are Montessori’s Main Teachings?
In keeping with her background as a medical doctor, Maria Montessori’s educational teachings centered around the psychological and physical development of children. She was able to correlate social and mental developments with the physical changes she noted during her teaching and observation.
Specifically, she charted the development of several universal human traits. These real-world observations of human development were the basis of understanding that informed her educational system. Through these observations, Montessori classroom environments promote peace, dignity, empathy and lifelong curiosity in students.
How Does Montessori Education Benefit Students?
Montessori’s teachings benefit students in a number of ways. To begin, the system of learning they describe is based on direct observation during childhood development. This leads to the discovery of universal human traits as well as individual traits. Teachers nurture these traits to promote an understanding of peace through empathy and intellectual rigor. Students practice this peace inside and outside the classroom. In a Montessori system, they are always able to explore the diverse, multicultural world in which we live — even as research tools, cultures and environments change around them.
Academic leadership and lifelong curiosity are common characteristics of the graduates of Montessori programs. Benefits are also found outside the classroom. The practical, peace-focused teachings of Maria Montessori empower children to help others throughout their lives. The lessons look beyond individual excellence in college and careers, and towards creating a better world for everyone.