Montessori: The Science behind the Genius

Montessori school? Nearly 40 years ago my wife began working in a Montessori school as a classroom assistant. I was busy in Hollywood working as an assistant editor for Roger Corman. Montessori school? It wasn't long before my wife had me sitting in her classroom 'observing' the children. Montessori school? How does one make a career change so quickly? Maybe it's when your wife says, "I'm going to Italy to get my Montessori teacher training!" We both graduated from the International Center for Montessori Studies in Bergamo, Italy in 1972 and we've both been teaching in Montessori schools ever since. Witnessing and working with the impact of Montessori's genius for more than 35 years has provided our own hands-on validation of what Montessori's approach can provide learners of all ages. Lillard's book provides the documented empirical evidence of Montessori's value that up until now has been missing. We Montessori teachers know the value of a genuine Montessori experience, now there's evidence, too. Although this book's audience might be the academic world, parents too can gather plenty of reasons as to why their children should be enrolled in an authentic Montessori program.

false advertisinghowever the book itself i have read 2x before and the information contained within the bookis stellar!!!

I purchased this book in anticipation of attending a lecture by the author next month. I am really looking forward to hearing her speak as this book has really broadened my understanding of Montessori.I came to Montessori two years ago when my daughter started at the primary level and even though I had a chance to observe at school, some of the method wasn't totally clear to me. After reading this book, Montessori's method makes so much sense I am amazed more schools haven't entirely adopted her ideas.The book goes into great detail about scientific studies already performed and studies that might be of benefit to further understanding Montessori. The nice part about the author's approach is that though it is scientific in nature, it is written enough in layman's terms, making it an enjoyable read.

Well researched. Great for educators and non-educators alike.

I recommend this book to anyone interested in 'Montessori' education with three caveats (this is the bad stuff, the rest is good):1. The author is certainly partisan and in favour of AMI. There are other interpretations of 'Montessori' (e.g. AMS, IMS) out there that should have received equal coverage in the text, but they didn't because the author is an acolyte of AMI. 'Montessori' is a somewhat contested term (i.e. not 'trademarked'), and this book could have offered a more catholic representation of the Church of Montessori. Consequently, it's certainly nowhere near being the 'last word' on what constitutes the method or the movement.2. The research literature is sometimes dealt with in a somewhat Procrustean manner. Read the references carefully and do your own reading to ensure that you agree with the conclusions that have been reached. I realise that the selective quoting and interpretation of peer reviewed articles is part of the game when it comes to writing a book like this. However, when this reader chases up articles and finds that they don't quite say what the author claims that they do, one starts to question the objectivity of this appraisal of Montessori's 'genius' .3. Whether or not the fundamentals (which seem to lie in Theosophy) of 'Montessori' education are even a matter for "science" is open to question. In any case, the materials in a Montessori classroom are often treated as the sacrements of the faith, rather than experimental equipment. A large number of the 'Montessori' method's practices are as yet 'not proven' by psychological science. So be prepared to read, "whether this is true has yet to be determined by empirical research' more than a few times. Even if scientists don't argue over exactly what constitutes science, philosophers of science do, it may be that the concept of science has moved on from Maria Montessori's time, and that the claims to 'scientific pedagogy' are anachronistic.As the title suggests this work has hagiographic tendencies, yet on the whole it is mandatory reading for anyone interested in learning about 'Montessori'. For an evenhanded historical perspective of the woman, the method and the movement (and their problematic inseparability) I'd recommend Rita Kramer's biography.As an introduction to Montessori's own writings, her "Handbook" is refreshingly concise (whatever you do, steer clear of her hazy, ghost-written, money-making-lecture-compilations).If this all sounds too difficult, why not support the Montessorian dynastic principle (cf. Mario Montessori) and pick up A. Lillard's mum's book "Montessori Today" instead?edits for readability

Perfect condition, really good book for anybody interested in the Montessori philosophy