Assignment Module 1

Student Name : Zubia Aslam

Roll no : DK3075

Q1: Write a biographical note on Dr. Maria Montessori in your own words.

Answer:

Dr. Maria Montessori was an Italian educator, doctor, and reformer who changed the way the
world thinks about children's education. She was born on August 31, 1870, in a small town
called Chiaravalle in Italy. Maria grew up in a time when women were expected to stay at home
and not pursue higher studies, but she was determined to do something different.

From a young age, Maria was strong-willed, intelligent, and hardworking. When her family
moved to Rome, she had access to better educational opportunities. She first thought about
becoming an engineer, but later she decided to study medicine, something almost unheard of for
women at that time. Despite facing a lot of challenges and opposition, Maria entered the
University of Rome in 1890 to study physics, mathematics, and later medicine. In 1896, she
became one of Italy's first female doctors, a huge achievement in those days.

Early Career and Work at University of Rome

After completing her medical degree, Montessori worked at the University of Rome. She was
involved in research at the psychiatric clinic and treated many poor and mentally disabled
children. Through her work, she began to notice that many of these children, who were thought
to be "uneducable," had the ability to learn if given the right environment and encouragement.
She realized that intelligence and potential were not limited to children considered "normal" by
society.

This important discovery made her question traditional methods of education and inspired her to
find better ways to teach all children, including those with disabilities.

Influences from Other Educators

Maria Montessori was deeply influenced by the work of earlier educators such as Jean-Marc-
Gaspard Itard, Edouard Seguin, and Jacob Rodrigues Pereira. These pioneers had worked with
disabled children and believed in using hands-on activities to stimulate learning.

From their work, Montessori learned two important ideas:

 Every child goes through sensitive periods where learning certain skills is easier.
 Even children with disabilities can make great improvements with the right help.

These ideas later became important parts of the Montessori Method.

 Assignment Module 1
Student Name : Zubia Aslam
Roll no : DK3075

Work at the Orthophrenic School

In 1899, Montessori was appointed as the co-director of a new school called the Orthophrenic
School, which focused on the education of mentally disabled children. At this school, she
worked alongside other teachers and doctors to develop new educational methods.

She designed purposeful activities to engage the children's senses and minds. Montessori
dismissed the strict hospital rules, removed the nurses, and created a more caring, respectful
environment for the children. She believed that children needed freedom, respect, and purposeful
work to truly learn.

The results were astonishing. After two years, many of her students were able to pass the
standard public school exams, something nobody expected. Montessori realized that if mentally
disabled children could achieve so much with the right methods, then normal children could
achieve even more if educated properly.

The Beginning of the Montessori Method

Maria Montessori continued her studies in education, philosophy, and psychology. She wanted to
apply her discoveries to all children, not just those with disabilities.

In 1907, she opened her first classroom, called Casa dei Bambini (Children's House), in a poor
district of Rome. Here, she introduced her revolutionary ideas:

 Children learn best when they are free to choose activities that interest them.
 Learning should be hands-on and based on real-world experiences.
 The environment should be carefully prepared to encourage independence and
exploration.

Montessori observed that when children were given freedom in a prepared environment, they
became focused, happy, and eager to learn. She saw that children had a natural desire to learn
and that the teacher's role was to guide and support rather than to control.

Important Concepts in Montessori Education

1.Child-Centered Learning:
In Montessori classrooms, the child is at the center of everything. The teacher, known as the
guide, prepares the environment and observes the children, allowing them to explore and learn at
their own pace.
2. The Absorbent Mind:
Montessori discovered that from birth to age six, children absorb information from their

Assignment Module 1
Student Name : Zubia Aslam
Roll no : DK3075

surroundings effortlessly. She called this the absorbent mind. This means that young children
naturally take in language, culture, and behavior without formal teaching.

3. Sensitive Periods:
Children go through sensitive periods when they are particularly open to learning specific skills
like language, movement, or order. Montessori classrooms are designed to recognize and support
these special times.

4. The Role of the Adult:

The adult in a Montessori environment is a gentle guide, not a traditional teacher. The guide
respects the child's independence, offers help when needed, and protects the child's right to learn
in a peaceful, prepared environment.

5. Freedom Within Limits:

Montessori believed children should have the freedom to choose activities, but within limits that
ensure respect for others and the environment.

6. Practical Life Skills:

In addition to academics, Montessori education teaches children real-life skills like cooking,
cleaning, and caring for themselves, helping them build independence and confidence.

Global Influence and Later Life

The Montessori Method quickly gained international attention. Montessori began training
teachers, writing books, and giving lectures around the world. Her ideas spread to countries like
the United States, India, the Netherlands, and beyond.

During World War II, she lived in India for several years, where she developed a deep respect
for Eastern philosophy and incorporated ideas of peace and spiritual development into her work.

Montessori was nominated three times (1949, 1950, and 1951) for the Nobel Peace Prize because
of her belief that education could bring peace to the world.

She received many honors during her lifetime, including:

 The French Legion of Honor

  The Dutch Order of Orange-Nassau
 An Honorary Doctorate from the University of Amsterdam
 Honorary citizenships from her hometowns, Perugia and Chiaravalle

Assignment Module 1
Student Name : Zubia Aslam
Roll no : DK3075

Many countries even issued special coins and stamps with her image to honor her.

Death and Legacy

Maria Montessori passed away on May 6, 1952, in the Netherlands. As per her wishes, she was
buried where she died, believing herself to be a citizen of the world. After her death, her only
son, Mario Montessori, continued her work with dedication until his own death in 1998.

Today, there are thousands of Montessori schools in countries all over the world. Her ideas have
had a lasting impact not only on alternative education but also on mainstream teaching practices.
Her methods continue to influence how educators view childhood development and learning.

Maria Montessori truly was a woman ahead of her time, and her legacy lives on. She helped
people see children not as empty vessels to be filled with knowledge, but as capable, curious, and
independent individuals with incredible potential to shape the world.