Montessori Philosophy

This course focuses on the work of Maria Montessori (1870-1952), the first female to graduate from Italian medical school (1896). Her work as a physician led her to study children who were housed in asylums at the time. From observations of these “deficient” children, she devised exercises that allowed them to perform on an academic par with normal children. During this course, students will read extensively from Montessori’s own works. Although these are published in book form, many are compilations of lectures presented during public exhibitions and training courses. Contemporary educational practices often echo much of Montessori’s philosophy without giving credit to the woman who originated the method. During this course, students will become familiar with Montessori’s philosophy of education and integrate ways to implement it in the contemporary setting.