Verónica Sollero

Trinity topic: Montessori Method

1. Definition. Principal aims
Have you ever heard about “Montessori Method”?

The Montessori Method has been and is very popular around the world with early
childhood professionals and parents. The Montessori approach is designed to support
the natural development of children in a well-prepared environment.

We could summarize the principal’s aims in 3 statements; respect for the child that
means teachers show respect for children when they help them do things and learn for
themselves. When children have choices, they are able to develop their skills and
abilities necessary for effective autonomy and self-esteem. Another essential point is
the prepared environment; Montessori believed that children learn better in an
adapted environment, a place where children can do things for themselves and they are
able to move with liberty and security. And finally self-education which refers children
are born to learn, and they are remarkable learning systems. They should be guided by
teachers and parents but in an exercise freedom of choice.

2. Differences between traditional schools and Montessori schools

Well, it is thought that there are fair differences between traditional schools and
Montessori schools. The first difference is the management of classrooms, for instance
Montessori classrooms are mixed age groups, and this grouping creates a highly
productive learning environment. Each child works on material that is geared toward
their ability and interest.

On the other hand, traditional schools divided the classroom by age. That means that
they have specific curriculum for the age group. Once the child has mastered that
curriculum, there is no room for advancement. Or vice versa.

Another significant difference is that a Montessori teacher has prepared the environment
which contains materials that correspond to specific development stages. In the
traditional classroom, children are given equal lessons geared toward the average age
complete, whether they are ready for it or not.

3. Pros and cons of Montessori Method

 Pros: Learning is at the individual child’s pace. Also, children are able to choose
what interests them. According to the materials, lessons and activities are
carefully designed to fulfill the child’s developmental needs, rather than a “one-
lesson-fits-all” approach. Children learn through play, so they may be more
motivated and more inspired.

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 Verónica Sollero

 Cons: Although this is changing, not all public schools have a Montessori
option. You may have to enroll your child in a private, tuition-based, Montessori
school. Again, if your only Montessori choice is a private school, you will likely
have to provide your own transportation. Another disadvantage could be that
Montessori schools do not use “standardized testing.” And many people could
feel mistrust for that statement.

4. Some researches about the method.

Research supports the effectiveness of fully implemented Montessori:

Executive Functions: Montessori supports executive function skills, including self-

regulation, working memory, planning, and inhibitory control. Executive functions
predict positive life-long outcomes such as academic achievement, income potential,
and marital satisfaction.
Social Development: Montessori supports social problem solving ability, a sense of
community and social justice, positive perceptions of classmates, and constructive
social problem-solving.
School Readiness: While the Montessori approach recognizes that learning begins at birth, well
before conventional schooling starts, children in Montessori preschool and kindergarten
classrooms have shown strengths in traditional “school readiness” measures.

Possible questions
 In Spain, children usually go to school at 3 years of age by law. Is it common in
your country too? What do you think about?
 Are you in favour or against of alternatives methods in Education?
 Should parents choose the type of education their children receive?