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On the 6th of January 1907, a physician and educator
embarked on a journey of discovery that
was to become known as the Montessori
Method (though she preferred not to
term it as such). She observed that
there is a “teacher within” each child
and that in a well prepared environment,
with freedom and a prepared directress
(teacher), any child will flourish.
By 1908, her name was known all over
the world. As the news of the astonishing
accomplishments of her first set of
children spread, people from diverse
backgrounds in government and educational/childhood
research came to observe her work. She
devoted the rest of her life to the
dissemination of her ideas through teacher
education, lectures and publications.
Almost a century later, various reputable
Montessori associations such as the
Association Montessori Internationale
(AMI, which she founded in 1929), (AMS)
both based in the USA, carry on her
work. |
Montessori in the 21st Century
More than 100 years later, Montessori is definitely a force to be reckoned with. It is the fastest growing
system of education in the world, with over 22,000 Montessori schools established throughout 110
countries.
Recently, several studies have been conducted to evaluate education in the 21st century. What do
children need to learn? How should they learn? What skills will tomorrow's workers and leaders need?
These are called 21st Century Skills. Many Montessorians read the findings and cannot help but say to
themselves and to one another with excitement, "We knew that all along and have been doing it for 100
years!"
In a book titled "Montessori, The Science Behind The Genius", Angeline Stoll Lillard shows how children
learn best and provides astounding evidence from current scientific research, that the Montessori method
provides solutions to the current crises in education. In an article published by Medical News Today (in the
United States), a study Indicates that Montessori education provides better outcomes than traditional
methods. Read the article.
Montessori in Nigeria
In Nigeria, Montessori education is a relatively new phenomenon. There have been pockets of Montessori
experiences since colonial times, but as a viable alternative at least, it has yet to gain the recognition it
deserves. This is due mostly to lack of awareness by regulatory bodies, the relatively huge costs of
starting a Montessori school, and finding certified teachers. Nevertheless, it is growing rapidly and several
people have initiated training programs to ease the way.
We live in a digital, global age and require a different set of skills for any country to become or remain
relevant socially, politically and economically. Our current curriculum offerings and delivery methods will
NOT prepare the Nigerian child for this age. Our children are currently embroiled in learning reading and
math, through rote learning, drills and tests. Montessori is at the very least, a viable alternative.
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