Montessori and Scientific Research

The Montessori classroom offers developmentally appropriate “hands-on” materials and activities which allow for the possibility of the development of the child’s full potential. Evidence of “Best Practices in Contemporary Education” can be seen in the Montessori Prepared Environment.

1. Order: “The order of the universe is reflected in the classroom.” There is a place for everything with a logical sequence to the placement of those materials. The presentation of the lessons with the materials have a specific order and the cycle of activity of the child’s work has order. (There is a beginning, middle and end to each activity). All of this order is necessary to serve the basic human need for order and to provide as an indirect preparation for aiding future logical and critical thinking skills.
2. Freedom to follow one’s own internal interests and needs:
• freedom for communication. This is necessary for aiding self expression, practicing effective communication skills, healthy brain development and encouraging peer teaching.
• freedom for movement. “The hand is the instrument of human intelligence.” By giving opportunities for the hands to explore and manipulate concrete objects, the child is better able to understand the abstract concepts that are presented. This is consistent with contemporary brain research and learning.
• freedom for choice. By giving the child the opportunity to choose freely, there is a greater possibility that the child will find true engagement in their work, and therefore, maximize their learning experience. This intense type of engagement is known in modern thought as “Flow”. Flow is important both because it makes the present instant more enjoyable, and because it builds self-confidence, that allows us to develop skills and make significant contributions to humankind.
3. Multi-sensory Approach to Education: All of the senses are engaged in the experience of learning in the Montessori environment. When this occurs it makes it possible for any type of learning style to be able to benefit from exposure to this approach.
4. Independence: With independent functioning as the ultimate goal for every child, the Montessori “holistic approach” toward education becomes a direct aid in the preparation of adult life. The growing and developing child is assisted by the Montessori trained adult to maximize their potential in all areas of development (physical, social, emotional, spiritual and intellectual).

Sources:
“Integrating Montessori Through Scientific Research”, NAMTA Journal, Summer 2003
Healy, Jane, PhD; “Your Child’s Growing Mind.”
Lillard, Angeline, PhD, “Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius.”
Gardner, Howard, PhD, “Multiple Intelligences.”