The system being adapted by Montessori education has its focus more in the personal development of students rather than assessment through examinations. It is believed by proponents of Montessori education that this approach will result to more mature, creative and socially adept students. This schooling system was conceptualized by Maria Montessori in the early 20th century as a means of educating poor children in Italy. The Montessori method does not use traditional competitive assessors of achievement such as giving individual grades and assignments to students. Instead, it will turn its focus towards the individual progress and development for each child.
Montessori education has the following characteristics:
- classrooms where students from different ages converge
- a special set of educational materials
- students can choose their own work given in long time blocks
- student mentors that foster a collaborative environment
- no grading and testing system
- instruction of individuals and small groups alike
- instruction of both academic and social skills
In a study that appeared on the September 29, 2006 issue of the journal Science wherein children from a public Montessori school were compared with children who were students of traditional schools, it was found that in general, children who underwent Montessori education have better social and academic skills than children who were educated in the traditional way. Below are a summary of the findings from among the five-year-old age group:
- Montessori students are significantly better prepared for elementary school by having more knowledge in reading and maths than their non-Montessori counterparts.
- Montessori educated children also performed better on social and behavioral tests, in particular demonstrating a better sense of justice and fairness.
- Outside of the classroom Montessori children were also more likely to engage in emotionally positive play with other kids and have a lesser tendency to engage in rough play.
- Montessori education also tends to increase the children's executive function, or their ability to adapt to changing and more complex problems.
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