Publication Date

1967

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Syverson, Genevieve B.||Telder, Thomas V.

Degree Name

M.S. Ed. (Master of Education)

Legacy Department

Department of Elementary Education

LCSH

Montessori method of education

Abstract

Problem: The purpose of this study was to: (1) ascertain the historical origins of the Montessori Method in the United States; (2) ascertain the current status of the method in the United States during the last five years; and (3) ascertain the basic educational philosophy, beliefs, and concepts of the Montessori Method in the United States. Findings: There seems to be a growing popularity regarding the Montessori Method in the United States. The Montessori Method is being discussed, written about, used, and adapted in the United States. Both schools and the movement are gaining a foothold in the United States with a group of educators. A study of the available literature showed that: 1. The method fluctuates with the times depending on the current educational trends and interest of the people and how well the method meets the needs of the problem at the time. 2. In the United States the method has been modified to meet local needs and several versions of the method are present. 3. The Montessori Method is another one of many methods for educating the child and it can be used with various types of children. Conclusions: The literature has indicated that there are and has been other prevalent concepts and methods for educating the child and that the Montessori Method is one of these methods. The literature has indicated that the method is being used or considered in working with underachieving children which considers the retarded as well as culturally-deprived children; and it is useful in the newer math program and teaching Spanish to preschoolers and with crippled children. Earlier literature indicates that the method was very much in use earlier in this century for deprived children. There are indications that the need for the method waned and possibilities of why this occurred. Today it is indicated by the current literature that this method is being used for educating the very young child and again the method is very much in use. Current literature shows that the movement is actively engaged in the research of: (1) determining what happens when a Montessori student enters a public or parochial first grade class; (2) how much the method might need to be altered for the American preschooler; and (3) setting up experimental schools for the culturally-deprived preschooler. Conclusions: The literature has indicated that there are and has been other prevalent concepts and methods for educating the child and that the Montessori Method is one of these methods. The literature has indicated that the method is being used or considered in working with underachieving children which considers the retarded as well as culturally-deprived children; and it is useful in the newer math program and teaching Spanish to preschoolers and with crippled children. Earlier literature indicates that the method was very much in use earlier in this century for deprived children. There are indications that the need for the method waned and possibilities of why this occurred. Today it is indicated by the current literature that this method is being used for educating the very young child and again the method is very much in use. Current literature shows that the movement is actively engaged in the research of: (1) determining what happens when a Montessori student enters a public or parochial first grade class; (2) how much the method might need to be altered for the American preschooler; and (3) setting up experimental schools for the culturally-deprived preschooler.

Comments

Includes bibliographical references.

Extent

viii, 62 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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