Maria Montessori“Follow the Child…”

Born in August of 1870 in ItalyLoving family, although my father disagreed

with my continued educationHigher socioeconomic status- my father

worked for the ministry of finance in a a tobacco factory

Early Life

Went on to university against my father’s wishes, although he still supported me.

My elementary school record was nothing noteworthy

In secondary school, I excelled in math and science

Personal Education

At first, I wanted to study engineering at the University of Rome, but decided upon medical school.

I met with a lot of scrutiny at the University because of my sex

Won an award for academic excellence in my first year, much to the chagrin of many of my male counterparts.

Personal Education

After I graduated, I became a voice and an advocate for women’s rights and for children with disabilities.

I had a child, Mario, out of wedlock with another doctor.

Mario’s father betrayed me a married someone else. I put Mario in foster care so I could continue my work.

When Mario became a teenager, I was reunited with him, and he became a valuable assistant in my work.

After Graduation

I replaced adult-sized materials and furniture with smaller materials that the children could move on their own

Children were free to move about as they pleased for the most part.

I put supplies on low shelves for easy accessSupplies were also made smaller-pencils,

scissors, toys, etc.

My Teaching Philosophy

My teaching style quickly spread through Italy

Eventually, it crossed countries and became an international influence.

I died in 1952 in the Netherlands

My Teaching Philosophy

Chapter 11

Self regulated learning- one goal of teaching should be to free student from the need for teachers (Bandura).

1998 Study- students gain efficacy for learning through complex tasks that extend over long periodsTeachers should facilitate this

Connections to the Text

Chapter 3

Bronfenbrenner’s social context for developmentStudents can learn from one another in a social

environment- mesosystem

Friendships are central to students’ lives.Teachers should foster these friendships in

learning.

Connections to the Text