Development of the Will (Montessori)
From Montepedia
In Montessori education, the Development of the Will refers to the gradual growth of a child's ability to make conscious choices and act intentionally.[1] The Montessori environment provides numerous opportunities for the child to make decisions, promoting the cultivation of willpower and self-control.
Montessori Quotes
- "The will is the director of all other psychological activities."[2]
- "The child can develop fully by means of experience in his environment. We call such experience 'work'. Such experience is not just play... it is work he must do in order to grow up."[3]
Research and Critiques
- Pros: The development of the will in Montessori education can foster decision-making skills, self-discipline, and independent thought. This can lead to high levels of self-regulation and autonomy.[4]
- Cons: Critics suggest that an emphasis on individual choice might overlook the importance of collaborative decision-making and social interaction. They argue that an overemphasis on self-control might limit children's spontaneity and creativity.[5]
Comparisons to Other Methods
Many traditional education models emphasize compliance and conformity, in contrast to the Montessori method's focus on fostering children's willpower and autonomy through individual choice.[6]
See Also
References
- ↑ Montessori, M. (1966). The Secret of Childhood. Ballantine Books.
- ↑ Montessori, M. (1966). The Secret of Childhood. Ballantine Books.
- ↑ Montessori, M. (1966). The Secret of Childhood. Ballantine Books.
- ↑ 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.
