The Montessori method of education is one of the most popular in today’s world. It offers the kind of flexible, hands-on education that has been shown to deliver great results and is a refreshing break for many families from the way other schools operate.
Montessori education focuses on peer-driven learning, including allowing older students to act as tutors and mentors to their peers. This mimics the way we learn naturally, meaning that the greatest possible results can be gleaned for many children by educating them this way.
Not all Montessori schools are created equally, though. Some merely use the name as a way to attract enrollees, not bothering to back up their claims.
Here are some elements of good Dubai Montessori schools – and where to find one for your child!
Student-Geared Classrooms
Unlike traditional classrooms – which are geared toward the teacher being the focus of instruction – Montessori classrooms are student-focused. This means that every student is the center of their own classroom, delivering the most individualized and personalized experience possible.
These classrooms often feature children of multiple ages, so they haven’t divided by age group the same way traditional classrooms are. This allows for mentoring and collaboration, which aids in the learning that takes place.
Freedom
What does freedom mean in the Montessori classroom? For students, it means the ability to move throughout the classroom freely – within reason, of course – and interact with their peers as they choose. Hile these blocks of time are structured, students aren’t required to sit in the same small, uncomfortable desk all day and pay attention to lessons. Instead, they are able to socialize and cooperate in natural ways, helping them to learn the material in ways that make sense for their developmental stage.
Observant and Nurturing Teachers
As mentioned previously, teachers in the Montessori classroom are not direct instructors, the way they are in the traditional classroom. This means that they take more of a passive role in the room, but that also means that they are required to be more nurturing and encouraging – and far more observant.
These observers move through the classroom throughout the day, making suggestions, offering support, and providing guidance. This helps students to learn without feeling overwhelmed. Again, this is based almost entirely on the way we naturally learn, making it work well for many children.
Multiple, Engaging Activity Areas
Montessori classrooms are full of engaging and exciting things for students to interact with. Typically referred to as “prepared environments”, these classrooms feature fun and eye-catching activities, imagination-based toys and games, and technology. They also typically feature natural elements, such as plants and class pets. This is seen as a way to blend the natural and manmade elements of everyday life, which only further creates a meaningful and effective learning environment for children.
Private
As of today, no public schools are using the Montessori approach. But that’s okay; some of the best schools in the world are private institutions. School admissions in Dubai for Montessori academies are up, showing just how in-demand the methodology is with today’s expatriate and native families, alike. If you’re interested in Montessori education, speak to the administrators at your child’s perspective international school today!
You must be logged in to post a comment.