View source for Materialised Abstractions (Montessori)

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'''"Materialised Abstractions"''' is a term used in the Montessori educational method to describe the learning materials designed to help children understand abstract concepts through physical, tangible objects. These materials help to externalize and make comprehensible internal, abstract ideas through a hands-on approach<ref>Kahn, D. (2011). Montessori and Eurythmy. The NAMTA Journal, 36(1), 67-80.</ref>.

== Montessori Quotes on Materialised Abstractions ==

{{Blockquote|text="Free the child's potential, and you will transform him into the world."|author=Maria Montessori|source="The Absorbent Mind"}}

== Research and Critiques on Materialised Abstractions ==

=== Pro ===
Utilising materialised abstractions can make learning more engaging and effective, especially for young children who learn best through hands-on experiences<ref>Thapa, A., Cohen, J., Guffey, S., & Higgins-D’Alessandro, A. (2013). A review of school climate research. Review of Educational Research, 83(3), 357-385.</ref>.
It supports Montessori's philosophy of "learning by doing", encouraging children to explore and interact with their environment<ref>Lillard, A. S. (2017). Montessori: The science behind the genius. Oxford University Press.</ref>.

=== Cons ===
Critics may argue that while materialised abstractions can be beneficial for concrete learning, they may not be as effective for teaching more complex, abstract concepts<ref>Cossentino, J. (2005). Ritualizing expertise: A non-Montessorian view of the Montessori method. American Journal of Education, 111(2), 211-244.</ref>.
There could also be concerns about the adaptability of materialised abstractions to different learning styles, as some children may respond better to verbal or visual learning approaches<ref>Feez, S. (2011). Montessori's mediation of meaning: a social semiotic perspective. Educational Philosophy and Theory, 43(7), 759-775.</ref>.

== Comparison to Other Methods ==
Traditional educational methods often rely heavily on verbal and visual instruction. In contrast, the Montessori approach emphasises the use of materialised abstractions to provide tactile, hands-on experiences for learning<ref name="Lillard">Lillard, A. S. (2017). Montessori: The science behind the genius. Oxford University Press.</ref>.

{{Glossary of Montessori Terms}}

== References ==
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