The Relevance of Montessori Today and in the Future

Many people question whether a method devised over seventy years ago can be relevant today. Too often we forget that in education today, overlooking proven methods for more modern, seemingly innovative ideas that sometimes do not withstand the test of time.

The Montessori method was conceived as an indirect approach to learning, presenting a comprehensive view of the child. Maria Montessori approached education as a scientist and pursued her ideas with an open mind, always with strong respect for the child as an individual. It was a scientifically designed method to develop the whole personality of the child at his own natural rate of progress, and thus free his potential for self-development within a prepared environment.

Montessori felt that for each of the four stages of human development (birth to six, six to twelve, twelve to eighteen, and eighteen to twenty-four), it was necessary to change our basic approach to the child, not just give him harder work.

The Montessori curriculum places no restraints on the student’s ability and provides manual and physical activity through use of concrete and abstract experiences to help him gain mastery of himself and his environment. The materials allow the child to explore himself through his various senses. Lessons allow him to gain self-confidence and self-mastery – knowing how to do things for himself – through the successful completion of work that is meaningful to him.

What has always been the most unique about the Montessori method is the detailed emphasis given to Sensorial experiences, and herein lies the key to its great success in later learning.
These exercises provide the child with greater power of discrimination, observation, awareness, control, coordination and judgment. He become a careful observer by working within the method and comes to better understand the realities of life and how to cope with them. He develops pride in himself through success and the self-mastery that allows him to do things for himself. Good study patterns are formed, as well as positive attitudes towards work and learning. Used correctly, the method gives the child a wonderful preparation for life and makes him better equipped for survival in today’s world.

The world has become so fast-paced and competitive that it is more important than ever for our children to emerge as self-reliant, intelligent, motivated individuals who will fully develop their potentials. It is vital now to teach children how to learn, since we know by nature they want to learn. More than any other approach, the Montessori method takes into account the whole child and his place in the community.

As in Montessori’s admonition, to observe and take leads from the child. We need to understand that the motivation of learning comes from within the child and simply cannot be taught. The person who goes into teaching in order to control others will feel threatened by this method. And should not be part of it. It is important for a teacher to understand the philosophy behind this method. Montessori felt that nursery schools should foster self-reliance and independence, and be reality oriented. It is in reviewing Montessori ideas that we can see its place in education for today and in the future.