Maria Montessori was an Italian physician and educator who is often referred to as the ‘mother of the modern-day classroom.’ She spent most of her life dedicated to improving education through innovative methods. In many ways, she is responsible for developing much of the modern-day concept of a learning environment that supports independent learning and allows students access to materials at their own pace. This article will provide you with a brief overview of Maria’s life, contributions, and impact on education.
Who was Maria Montessori?
Maria Montessori was born on September 13, 1877, in Italy. Her father was a doctor, and her mother was a teacher. She was the oldest of five children. Her parents wanted all five of their children to aspire to become a doctor and an educator, so they ensured that Maria was exposed to both fields at an early age. Montessori’s parents encouraged her to read anything she could get her hands on. She was highly interested in natural science, and she particularly enjoyed exploring the structure of plants and animals. As a young girl, Montessori also had a passion for reading and writing. Montessori attended the University of Rome for a short time, but she dropped out to get married. While she was married, Maria decided that she wanted to pursue a career in medicine. However, she also continued to study botany at the University of Rome on her own time. As soon as she was divorced, Montessori returned to the University of Rome to continue her studies in medicine. She studied medicine for seven years, but she considered herself more interested in plants and botany. In 1915, Montessori switched her focus to pediatrics. She received her medical degree in 1917.
Maria Montessori’s Life and Career
Montessori’s career in education began in the early 1900s when she was already in her thirties and had already been through several health issues. In 1904, she was diagnosed with tuberculosis. While she was under treatment, she was inspired by her older brother, who was studying to become a teacher. As a result, she found herself itching to learn more about the profession. Montessori’s health issues ultimately led her to retire from her practice as a doctor. Instead, she devoted herself to education full-time and quickly became interested in all aspects of the field. Montessori became interested in the work of the French educator Jean-Étienne-Marie Portal (who was best known by the title, Professeur). Portal was the first educator to suggest the use of materials as learning tools. Portal’s work was very important to Montessori, and she applied some of Portal’s ideas to her own approach to education. She believed that children should be exposed to a variety of materials, and she especially emphasized making learning materials available to children at their own pace.
Theories of Learning That Influenced Maria Montessori
Montessori believed that children were capable of learning anything, and she had high hopes for the future. She hoped that by developing new methods of education, it would help to eliminate the discrimination that was present in society. Montessori was deeply influenced by the work of the Italian educator, Giovanni Speroni. Speroni was known for his work on the development of “intellective games.” Speroni believed that children were capable of developing their own minds, so he focused on giving them experiences that helped them to build their intellect. Speroni’s work was extremely important to Montessori.
Montessori’s ideas on education were also greatly influenced by the theories of John Locke. Locke was an English philosopher who believed that the mind is capable of developing itself through experience and exposure to new ideas.
What Is an Environmentally-Based Approach to Education?
An environmentally-based approach to education is a method of teaching that emphasizes the importance of environmental factors. The environmental approach to teaching focuses on the relationship between the mind and the environment of a developing child. In an environmentally-based approach to education, teachers are encouraged to create an environment conducive to learning. This may include creating an engaging classroom atmosphere, making materials available to students, and having students work in quiet areas where they can focus on what they are doing. The environment in which students learn affects many aspects of their lives, including their health, their relationships with others, and their chance of success later in life. This is why it is important to create an environment that is conducive to learning.
Key Takeaway
Maria Montessori was a groundbreaking educator who developed many groundbreaking theories about learning. She sought to create an environment where students were encouraged to explore and develop their own minds. She also emphasized the importance of exposing students to a variety of materials.
