The Pedagogic Corner: Maria Montessori and Helen Doron - part 4
What is Montessori?
The differences between the methods
- HD classes are private extra-curricular specialist lessons lasting 45 - 90 minutes depending on the course and age group. HD offers courses for English as a foreign language and recently a new Maths (Mathjogs) programme run in the children's mother tongue. The syllabus of Montessori schools and kindergartens cater for all subjects.
- The Montessori pupil has free choice of the materials and activities within the classroom supported by the teacher whose function is more that of a silent observer guiding the children. HD teachers on the other hand, conduct group activities where everyone participates together. The HD teacher animates the children and chooses props, games and materials to support each lesson.
- The Montessori materials have a built-in control of error so that each child can assess its own achievements without outside control or judgment. Should the child seek acknowledgement for its work - it is gladly given. However, MM saw no need for praise or punishment. The child shows intrinsic joy at doing what it chooses itself. HD teachers are encouraged to praise the children as much as possible and at all times.
- The Montessori teacher demonstrates practical life exercise without the use of words e.g. tying up a shoelace etc., whereas for learning a new language, HD teachers would support all actions with language and songs.
Helen Doron's success is possibly due to her personal energy and interest to ever improve the method and keep pedagogical methods holistic and up-to-date. She has a network of over 2000 international active teachers and 17 teacher trainers contributing to the quality by sharing ideas, suggestions and experiences at meetings, annual conferences, seminars and through an international e-mail forum. Not only the latest pedagogical know-how is incorporated in her work but she also supports communication skills such as NVC (Non-Violent Communication from Dr. Marshall Rosenberg) to help improve performance, reduce conflicts and enrich relationships.
“I see and forget, I hear and remember, I do and understand”. Yes, an ounce of practice is worth a ton of theory and the secret is to start as early as possible - so if not now then when?
- What is Montessori? - part 1
- What is Montessori? - part 2
- What is Montessori? - part 3
- What is Montessori? - part 4