Concentration (Montessori): Difference between revisions

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*[[Montessori Method]]
*[[Montessori Method]]
*[[Prepared Environment]]
*[[Prepared Environment (Montessori)]]
*[[Sensitive Periods]]
*[[Sensitive Periods (Montessori)]]


== References ==
== References ==


<references/>
<references/>

Revision as of 16:39, 17 July 2023

In Montessori education, Concentration refers to the child's ability to focus attention on a task for an extended period, which Maria Montessori believed is crucial for learning and mastery.[1] Inspired by the work of American psychologist William James, Montessori aimed to create learning environments that facilitate and enhance the child's natural capacity for concentration.

Montessori Quotes

  • "The first essential for the child's development is concentration. The child who concentrates is immensely happy."[2]
  • "The child's development follows a path of successive stages of independence, and our knowledge of this must guide us in our behaviour towards him."[3]

Research and Critiques

  • Pros: Montessori's emphasis on fostering concentration can lead to greater mastery of skills and independent learning. Research has shown Montessori students often display high levels of sustained attention and self-regulation.[4]
  • Cons: Critics argue that this focus on concentration may not adequately cater to children with different learning styles or those who may thrive in more collaborative, less individual-focused environments.[5]

Comparisons to Other Methods

Montessori's emphasis on concentration contrasts with traditional educational methods that often promote shorter, more varied activities. In traditional classrooms, lessons are usually segmented and time-bound, while Montessori encourages deep, prolonged engagement with tasks.[6]

See Also

References

  1. Montessori, M. (1949). The Absorbent Mind. Clio Press.
  2. Montessori, M. (1949). The Absorbent Mind. Clio Press.
  3. Montessori, M. (1949). The Absorbent Mind. Clio Press.
  4. Lillard, A. (2017). Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius. Oxford University Press.
  5. Egan, K. (2002). Getting it wrong from the beginning: Our progressivist inheritance from Herbert Spencer, John Dewey, and Jean Piaget. Yale University Press.
  6. Mooney, C. (2013). Theories of Childhood, Second Edition: An Introduction to Dewey, Montessori, Erikson, Piaget & Vygotsky. Redleaf Press.