Montessori is an instructional approach focused on self-driven practice, hands-on learning, and interactive play
“The aim of the teacher should be to build character, human values and enhance the learning capacity of children through technology and build the confidence among children to be innovative and creative which in turn will make competitive to face the future.” – Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
“Training and Development is a never-ending process” – Peter Smith
Yes, above 2 quotes from famous people gives us a message that Training can be taken anytime at any age. Among the various methods of training imparted to the students to ensure their sum total progress in the academics, “Montessori training” is one such which took its root nearly about 100 years ago, first in the United States of America and then gradually spread its tentacles far and wide with the generous motive of spreading education among all.
Montessori is an instructional approach focused on self-driven practice, hands-on learning, and interactive play. Kids make creative choices in their learning at the Montessori classrooms, while the classroom and the highly trained teacher offer age-appropriate activities to guide the process. Children work in groups to discover and explore world knowledge individually, and to develop their maximum potential.
Montessori Teacher Training is a specialized training program that prepares individuals to become Montessori teachers. Montessori education is a child-centred educational approach developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician, and educator. Montessori education is based on the idea that children learn best through active exploration and discovery, rather than passive listening and memorization.
Montessori Teacher Training programs provide individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to implement the Montessori approach in the classroom. The training program covers various topics, such as child development, classroom management, and curriculum design. The goal of Montessori Teacher Training is to provide teachers with the knowledge and tools needed to create an environment that supports children’s natural curiosity and desire to learn.
As this is a system of education where the focus is primarily on the development of natural activities and innate talents, a nexus of rules comes to the fore to make the whole matter acquire a dynamic dimension. First, mixed aged classrooms are encouraged as this “intermingling” status will help them to communicate better than anything else. Secondly, students are given a free choice from a range of activities to pursue without any tinge of doubt. Thirdly, the students are generally not taught more than three hours a day and during this entire span they are allowed to move freely in the class. Fourthly, the emphasis is laid upon the learning and the application of the basic concepts and the whole matter is executed in a thoughtfully created ambience. Fifthly, there is no room for direct method and therefore specialised materials are to be prepared under the able hegemony of the trained teachers. And last but not the least, the crux of the whole story is to bring out the concealed genius of the “blooming flowers of our garden”.
Montessori Teacher Training programs vary in length and content. Some programs offer online training, while others require in-person attendance. Montessori Teacher Training can be completed at various levels, including Infant and Toddler, Early Childhood, Elementary, and Adolescent.
Montessori Teacher Training programs typically include both theoretical and practical components. During the theoretical component, learners study the Montessori philosophy and approach to education. They also learn about child development and the principles of Montessori curriculum design. During the practical component, learners gain hands-on experience working with children in a Montessori classroom setting.
The position of the instructor at Montessori is different from that of conventional teachers. Traditional teachers are delivering a lesson to a wide group of students required to listen to and absorb the knowledge. Montessori teachers work with only one or two students at a time, offering learning content for each child`s needs and interests in the class. The teachers instruct, present a lesson, or silently observe children as they are working. Throughout this way, the children operate in a friendly atmosphere at their own pace.
Montessori teachers need specialized skill sets. Through a good Montessori teacher training program, you will learn how to identify the interests of each student, their learning style, and their personality through observation skills. This is important to understand when students are open to learning, so you can incorporate lessons that are more complex. As a creative facilitator, you have skills that function as a resource for children. To inspire development through the program and develop new skills, you provide motivation and assist them in their achievements. Through character development skills, you`re creating an atmosphere that nurtures characteristics that help children grow critical reasoning, social comprehension, and problem-solving skills to become good citizens of the world.
To summarize, a Montessori teacher`s job is to nurture a child development program through the philosophy of guidance as opposed to rote learning of a prescriptive syllabus. In the formative years of child development, when a child’s brain works like a sponge, this philosophy of guidance has proven to be immensely beneficial.
To arrest the growing tide of unemployment, “Montessori training” is a blessing in disguise in the academic arena.
I would like to end with a famous quote, which I believe is true about Montessori Training by our great leader Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam:
“When learning is purposeful, creativity blossoms. When creativity blossoms, thinking emanates. When thinking emanates, knowledge is fully lit. When Knowledge is fully lit, economy flourishes.”
Deena Sijo