Montessori Method 2. The Teachers' Role
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Dr. Montessori often said, "I studied my children, and they taught me how to
teach them." She believed the teacher's job is to serve the child by
determining what each one needs to make the greatest progress, and that
teachers could only learn how to teach by observing the spontaneous behaviour
of each student. Teachers are trained to recognize individual periods of
readiness as children progress through their "sensitive age periods", and
match developmental needs with materials and activities. The teacher is a
guide who facilitates the natural process of learning. When a teacher notices
that a child is attracted to a piece of work, he or she must ensure that the
child's concentration is not interrupted. This large measure of independence
develops self-discipline, while successful completion of self-correcting
exercises develops confidence.
The teacher must set up an attractive environment for the child to work in,
prepare exercises, keep the materials in good condition, and record progress.
He or she does not exert too much control over the classroom, but ensures that
it does not get out of control. A teacher realizes that the children need the
security of reasonable expectations and guidelines. A teacher sets a good
example by being tidy, calm, dignified, gentle, graceful, well groomed and
well spoken.
Next: 3. Montessori Resources on the Internet.