SKILLS FOR LIFE
An Internet WebQuest on Montessori

created by Yesenia Perez
Flanagan High School

Introduction | The Task | The Process & Resources | Conclusion | HyperText Dictionary


Introduction

It is not true that I 'invented' the Montessori Method. I have studied the child, I have taken what the child has given me and expressed it, and that is what is called the Montessori Method. These were the words of Maria Montessori. She was born on August 31,1870 in a four-story house in Chiaravalle in a seaport province of Ancona, Italy. Her parents Alessandro Montessori and Renilde Montessori meant in 1866. Her father (Alessandro) was a descendent of a noble family from Bologna. Her mother (Renilde) came from a prosperous upper-class family-very well educated, She loved books. Maria attented Rome's technical institute, Regio Istituto Tecnico Leonordo de Vinci and she intented to become an engineer. She enrolled in the University of Rome. In 1892 she became the first female student of Medicine at the University of Rome. At the age 25, Maria got her degree of doctor medicine. On July 10,1896 she became the first female doctor in Italy. She worked with mentally ill and disabled children. Maria taught these children the Montessori methods and sinced it worked she throught that normal children can do it too. Afterwards she opened her own Montessori school for children called the Casa dei Bambini. In Montessori 'Practical Life' is the foundation of the Montessori Method. This lets the child develop motor skills, a sense of order, self confidence, and the ability to perform which is a characteristic or personal development.



The Quest

What is the difference between the Montessori method and other educational methods?



The Process and Resources

In this WebQuest you will be working together with a group of students in class. Each group will answer the Task or Quest(ion). As a member of the group you will explore Webpages from people all over the world who care about Montessori. Because these are real Webpages we're tapping into, not things made just for schools, the reading level might challenge you. Feel free to use the online Webster dictionary or one in your classroom.

You'll begin with everyone in your group getting some background before dividing into roles where people on your team become experts on one part of the topic.

Phase 1 - Background: Something for Everyone

Use the Internet information linked below to answer the basic questions of who? what? where? when? why? and how? Be creative in exploring the information so that you answer these questions as fully and insightfully as you can.

Questions for Maria Montessori: A Brief Biography

1. When did Maria Montessori began a series of teacher training courses in London?
2. Was Maria Montessori ever nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize. If so how many times?
3. Name some teachers training centers?
4. What questions would you ask in an interview with Maria Montessori?

Questions for Montessori Method: Contents

1. In chapter three,what is the plan for the transformation?
2. What is your opinion about this book?
3. In chapter four, what can you say about the 'Children's house'?
4. In leaving the 'children's house', Which three questions will the children be able to answer with clearness and certainty ?
5. In chapter five, what comes form liberty?
6. In chapter seven, what is the schedule of hours in the
'children's house'?
7. Based on what you know, how would you explain the education of the senses?
8. In the sequence of exercises which of the following is the best answer for fifth grade?
A. Lacing,buttoning,hooking,etc.
B. Moving the seats in silence.
C. The use of water colours.

Questions for American Montessori Society (AMS)

1. Do you agree with the actions of Maria Montessori? Why or Why not?
2. What is your opinion about Maria Montessori's quotes?
3. Which quotes of Maria Montessori would you select that relates to you or that you strongy agree with and why?
4. A Montessori classroom must have what basic characteristics at all levels?

Phase 2 - Looking Deeper from Different Perspectives

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Individuals or pairs from your larger WebQuest team will explore one of the roles below.

2. Read through the files linked to your group. If you print out the files, underline the passages that you feel are the most important. If you look at the files on the computer, copy sections you feel are important by dragging the mouse across the passage and copying / pasting it into a word processor or other writing software.

3. Note: Remember to write down or copy/paste the URL of the file you take the passage from so you can quickly go back to it if you need to to prove your point.

4. Be prepared to focus what you've learned into one main opinion that answers the Big Quest(ion) or Task based on what you have learned from the links for your role.

Directress/Teacher

Use the Internet information linked below to answer these questions specifically related to role, job or perspective #1: Directress/Teacher

Questions for Montessori,International Montessori Index of schools, teachers,...

1. What did Dr. Montessori realize about having children older then three years?
2. What is the most successful class size?
3. Why is the word directress or guide used in Montessori for teachers?

Questions for Montessori Connections Main Directory

1. What is the Montessori method?
2. What makes Montessori education different?
3. What are some goals for a Montessori school?

Questions for Montessori Centre International

1. Imagine that you are Maria Montessori. What changes would you have made and why?
2. What are some Montessori teaching opportunities listed?
3. Would you ever like to become a Montessori teacher? Why or Why not?

Parents

Use the Internet information linked below to answer these questions specifically related to role, job or perspective #2: Parents

Questions for Montessori Parenting- Birth to Three

1. What is your opinion about the absorbent mind?
2. Explain what you feel about this saying.No matter how much we all try to be perfect we must learn to be easy on ourselves, to not waste time wishing we 'had only known,' but must learn to laugh, to pick up the pieces, and to begin again.
3. What is a good definition of work?

Questions for The Montessori School

1. What is your opinion of Childern teach themselves?
2. List three ways that children can learn by?
3. What types of programs are design?

Questions for Montessori Homeschooling-created by and for homeschooling families

1. Would you ever do Montessori homeschooling for your child? If so Why? or Why not?
2. What is your opinion about the homeschooling story?
3. How can Montessori be done at home?
4. What are some Montessori ideas that you can think for school age children?

Child

Use the Internet information linked below to answer these questions specifically related to role, job or perspective #3: Child

Questions for The Discovery Montessori Kids coloring book

1. In your opinion, what can children learning from this coloring book?
2. What are children discovering?
3. Do you feel that children will enjoy and learn from this coloring book?

Questions for Fact monster-Maria Montessori

1. Do you think that this is well summarize for children?
2. When did Maria Montessori receive a medical degree?
3. What are the two chief components of the Montessori method?

Questions for Montessori Materials: Child of the World, for Age 3-12+

1. In what age group do they use aprons,brooms,mops,and sponges?
2. What types of materials are use in art?
3. What is the cost for a balance bleam? Do you think that the cost is fair? Why? or Why not?

Psychologists

Use the Internet information linked below to answer these questions specifically related to role, job or perspective #4: Psychologists

Questions for Maria Montessori

1. What were the traditional roles that Maria Montessori broke?
2. Name some of the most amazing things that Maria Montessori has done?
3. Is there proof that Maria Montessori went to the University of Rome?

Questions for Montessori Philosophy and Practice,Age 3-12+, -text

1. What are the three stages of learning?
2. What elements would you choose to change in Montessori and why?
3. What are some requirements for ages 3-6?

Questions for Department of Education: Montessori Education

1. What can students who major in Montessori education be certified for?
2. What are some recommended courses?
3. Describe what the children are doing in the photo gallery?

Phase 3 - Debating, Discussing, and Reaching Consensus

You have all learned about a different part MONTESSORI METHOD. Now group members come back to the larger WebQuest team with expertise gained by searching from one perspective. You must all now answer the Task / Quest(ion) as a group. Each of you will bring a certain viewpoint to the answer: some of you will agree and others disagree. Use information, pictures, movies, facts, opinions, etc. from the Webpages you explored to convince your teammates that your viewpoint is important and should be part of your team's answer to the Task / Quest(ion). Your WebQuest team should write out an answer that everyone on the team can live with.

Phase 4 - Real World Feedback

You and your teammates have learned a lot by dividing up into different roles. Now's the time to put your learning into a letter you'll send out for real world feedback. Together you will write a letter that contains opinions, information, and perspectives that you've gained. Here's the process:

1. Make a chart between a Montessori school and a traditional school.

2. Interview a Montessori trained teacher and ask her/him to discuss why they prefer the Montessori method.


Your Contact is: Martha L. Munoz



Conclusion

The Principles of the Montessori Method were founded directly on the laws of life itself. It originated through years of observation by Dr. Maria Montessori, showing a profound respect for the child's rights and and personality. Giving him/her the freedom or liberty, not license; to learn by doing. The teaching technique in traditional schools is a slow successive progress along 'supposed' difficulties, which are graded and classified in advance. The teacher is always the center of attention, as opposed to the Montessori environment where she is merely the link between the child and the environment. Montessori's ultimate goal is to create in the child the sense of independence, self-discipline, concentration motivation and sensitivity to things around him. The Montessori Method develops the whole personality of the child, not only his intellectual faculties but also his powers of deliberation and independent choice with their emotional complements. By living as a free member of a real social community, the child is trained in those fundamental social skills and qualities which form the basis of good citizenship. The child will understand and develop the skill that will broaden their horizon and make their odyssey of self-teaching a never ending one.


created by Filamentality Content by Yesenia Perez
http://www.kn.sbc.com/wired/fil/pages/webmontessoye.html
Last revised Mon Jan 12 10:00:29 US/Pacific 2004