In the field of education there have been a number of individuals that have had a huge influence and one such individual was an Italian physician and educationist called Maria Tecla Artemisia Montessori. Such has been her impact on the field of education that her educational methods are still continued to be used in many public and private schools throughout the world. She is also the founder of the “Montessori Method of Education”.
The Personal life of Maria Montessori:
This brilliant educationist was born as Maria Tecla Artemisia Montessori on August 31st 1870 in Chiaravaile in Italy. She was born to Italians Alessandro Montessori and Renilde Stoppani. She apparently shared a wonderful relationship with both her parents. Although it appears that her father disagreed with her decision to continue her education.
Education and career of Montessori:
Maria began her education at the tender age of six in 1876 at a public elementary school. And apparently her early school years apparently was not “praiseworthy” even though she did get rewarded for good behaviour in the 1st grade.
It was at the age of 13 that she was inducted into a secondary technical school. And it was in this school that she learnt algebra, geometry, Italian, history, geography etc. It was in 1886 that she graduated from secondary schooling with good grades. During the same year she also had a stint at a technical institute called “Regio Istituto Tecnico Leonardo da Vinci” where, she studied subjects such as Italian, mathematics, geography, history etc.
It was in 1890 that she enrolled herself in the University of Rome for a degree course in natural sciences. It was in 1892 that she graduated from this course. Finally it was in 1893 on account of her degree in natural sciences along with additional studies in Italian and Latin that she was admitted into the medical program provided by the University. This was her ambition and she had achieved it.
In 1897 after her thesis was published in a journal called “Policlinico” that she got employed as an assistant in the University Hospital and thereby started a private practice.
Development of Montessori Method:
It was during the years starting from 1896 to 1901 that Maria began working with children that were suffering from some form of mental retardation. So she began visiting asylums in Rome and started observing children with mental issues very keenly. She was also appointed as a co-director of a school called Orthophrenic School which was opened to educate teachers on handling mentally challenged children. It was during her stint in this school that she actually began understanding how to handle children.
It was in 1906 that Maria was invited to look after the education of a group of children in new apartment building which was home to low income families. This invitation was accepted by Maria. It was during her stint as teacher in this new apartment building (named Casa dei Bambini) that she began to closely observe the behaviour of these young children. It is these observations that led to what became popularly known as “Montessori Method”.
What is the Montessori Method?
This is a method which emphasizes the development of a child’s natural abilities using practical play. It also provides for the child to develop at his/her own pace and, also provide the educator with a clearer picture of the child development. According to this method the age of a child is divided into three groups two and a half years, two and a half to six years, and six and half and twelve years. Once the groups are set the teacher then will encourage a child of particular age group to perform a task that would be appropriate for that age. For example the child belonging to the first two age groups would be encouraged to use their sense to explore and manipulate objects available in their surroundings. While a child belonging to the last group would be encouraged to use their newly developed powers of reasoning, imagination, and creativity.
The “Montessori Method” developed by Maria has been so effective that over the years schools in many countries around the world have adopted this form of education. What remains to be seen is whether this method survives with time or like many other methods in the field of education perishes as time flies by.
