It's been 100 years since Dr. Maria Montessori began teaching children in San Lorenzo, Rome, allowing the children to make their own choices in the learning process. Times have changed and so has the mindset of children. Modern and globalized way of thinking brings about varied schools of thought.
The Montessori Method has always been a topic of discussion for many. People often grapple with the authenticity of the method and how it helps a child in modern times. The question is how much do we really know about this century old methodology? Knowledge is power and we firmly believe with knowledge comes perception and affirmation.

Montessori is an education philosophy, much like other methodologies; there is no certainty as to what method suits a child best. It is an approach that encourages and guides the development of a child's potential. What does this mean? It simply allows the child to develop to the fullest.

This means the child can develop spiritually, physically and intellectually by allowing the child to educate himself at his own pace. When you walk into a Montessori classroom, what do you see? Children working with different materials, they seem to be playing but are they really?

The key difference between a conventional education system and Montessori remains that the child is allowed to have the freedom of choice to learn what they want based on a hands- on approach. An account of the child's activities is monitored, by the Montessori teacher. For instance if the teacher notes that the child is spending too much time in a certain area, she then directs the child to work in another.

The freedom given to children in Montessori is often challenged, but in a Montessori, you can't help but notice the independent thinkers and learners hungry for knowledge.

The Montessori teacher is humble and allows the child to shine and learn; she presents the material and allows the child to work with the materials, until the child comes to her and says that he wishes to work with something else. The role of the Directress is crucial. Being trained in the field becomes important; The Diploma in Montessori Method of Education offered by MMI Academy is designed to train parents and teachers to be about the methodology.

The comprehensive course covers the Montessori Philosophy and the five areas of teaching, namely Montessori Exercises of Practical Life, Sensorial Education, Language, Phonics & Grammar, Mathematics, and Cultural Subjects such as Geography, Botany, Zoology, and History.

The course ensures that a potential Montessori teacher is prepared to work with children; she will be equipped with necessary skill sets that will enable her to observe the child's development, to recognize and interpret a child's needs and inject creativity and ideas into her classes and help prepare the child for later years. Holistically the course will equip the teacher of knowledge that will instil a high level of professional competence.

The goal of a Montessori Education is to let the child be independent and whole-life learners. It will give them the enthusiasm for, learning and wanting to continue doing so their whole life. So is Montessori the way to go? It is, if you want to start respecting and understanding a child as an individual.
"It is not enough for the teacher to love the child. She must first love and understand the universe. She must prepare herself, and truly work at it."

Dr Maria Montessori - To take the first step towards becoming a Montessorian. Call MMI Academy on 0777 70 10 10. Enrolment for the new intake is in progress. www.mmi-srilanka.com.