Repetition (Montessori)
From Montepedia
In Montessori education, Repetition refers to the repeated engagement of a child with a particular activity. Unlike adults who typically work towards an external objective, young children work towards internal goals. Thus, they often repeat an activity until their inner objective is met.[1] This urge to repeat activities is driven by the child's intrinsic motivation and contributes to the refinement of their movements and the acquisition of new abilities.
Montessori Quotes
- "The satisfaction which they find in their work has given them a grace and ease like that which comes from music."[2]
- "The first essential for the child's development is concentration. The child who concentrates is immensely happy."[3]
Research and Critiques
- Pros: The importance of repetition in learning is well-supported by research, suggesting it enhances memory and skill acquisition. Montessori's emphasis on repetition for internal satisfaction aligns with contemporary understanding of motivation and mastery learning.[4]
- Cons: Critics argue that while repetition is important, it should be balanced with opportunities for novelty and creativity. Some suggest that too much repetition may lead to boredom or disengagement.[5]
Comparisons to Other Methods
While repetition plays a role in all educational approaches, the Montessori method uniquely emphasizes repetition driven by the child's internal motivations rather than external goals, facilitating self-directed and intrinsically motivated learning.[6]
See Also
References
- ↑ Montessori, M. (1966). The Secret of Childhood. Ballantine Books.
- ↑ Montessori, M. (1912). The Montessori Method. Frederick A. Stokes Company.
- ↑ Montessori, M. (1949). The Absorbent Mind. Clio Press.
- ↑ Lillard, A. (2017). Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius. Oxford University Press.
- ↑ Egan, K. (2002). Getting it wrong from the beginning: Our progressivist inheritance from Herbert Spencer, John Dewey, and Jean Piaget. Yale University Press.
- ↑ Mooney, C. (2013). Theories of Childhood, Second Edition: An Introduction to Dewey, Montessori, Erikson, Piaget & Vygotsky. Redleaf Press.
