eyworks includes the Montessori framework as part of the frameworks available on eylog, so what is the history of this learning approach?
Developed by Italian physician Maria Montessori, the Montessori method of education views children as naturally eager for knowledge and capable of initiating learning, emphasising independence in a sufficiently supportive and well-prepared learning environment. Maria Montessori began developing her educational philosophy and methods in 1897, following her medical training.
Based on a model of human development, Montessori education has two basic principles;
- Engage in psychological self-construction by means of interaction with their environments
- An innate path of psychological development
Maria Montessori believed, based on her observations, that children who are at liberty to choose and act freely within an environment prepared according to her model, would act spontaneously for optimal development.
This educational practice is based around free activity within a “prepared environment”. This allows for an educational environment that is tailored to basic human characteristics, to the specific characteristics of children at different ages, and to the individual personalities of each child enabling the environment to help. It allows the child to develop independence in all areas according to his or her inner psychological directives.
Whilst most may associate the Montessori practice with the Early Years sector, it is a framework that can filter into higher education where individuals are encouraged and free to follow up with independent work of their own as interest and personal responsibility.
With many more settings choosing to include Montessori framework in their learning strategies, and some childcare providers being Montessori exclusive, there are plenty of social media pages, support groups and, with the development of mobile touchscreen devices, specific mobile apps to provide activities, inspiration and training.
Using eylog you can link observations to the Montessori framework statements.
