Indirect Preparation (Montessori)
From Montepedia
In Montessori education, Indirect Preparation refers to the process by which activities performed in the present consciously prepare the child for future learning.[1] This preparation can occur without the child's awareness; for instance, a young child may enjoy putting together various triangular shapes, laying the groundwork for a future understanding of geometry. Also known as remote preparation, the deeper educational purpose of many Montessori activities might be not immediately apparent but becomes clear over time.
Montessori Quotes
- "The teacher's task is not to talk, but to prepare and arrange a series of motives for cultural activity in a special environment made for the child."[2]
- "The greatness of the human personality begins at the hour of birth."[3]
Research and Critiques
- Pros: Indirect preparation acknowledges the sequential and interconnected nature of learning, setting the foundation for complex ideas through engaging, hands-on activities. Research suggests that this method of teaching can promote deeper understanding and longer-term retention of concepts.[4]
- Cons: Critics argue that indirect preparation may be overly subtle or indirect for some learners who might benefit from more explicit instruction. They also suggest that the long-term outcomes of such preparatory activities can be difficult to measure or predict.[5]
Comparisons to Other Methods
While traditional education often employs direct instruction, Montessori education uses indirect preparation to lay the groundwork for future learning, offering a more holistic approach to education.[6]
See Also
References
- ↑ Montessori, M. (1949). The Absorbent Mind. Clio Press.
- ↑ Montessori, M. (1912). The Montessori Method. Frederick A. Stokes Company.
- ↑ Montessori, M. (1936). The Secret of Childhood. Longmans, Green and Co.
- ↑ 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.
