Montessori approach to assessment
In a
Montessori environment children are considered competent learners.
When they are born they are able to learn from the culture, people
and the material environment that surrounds them (McAlister-Young,
2010). The method that a Montessori classroom teaches in is
that ever child learns at their own pace in an environment that the
teacher has prepared for them. Children are able to move around a
prepared environment and are able to choose what activity they are
interested in (Roemer, 1999).Montessori
uses both alternative and traditional assessment methods. Anecdotal
records are used, this is where you record an incident of the child
at different times. You can use this record to see if specific
activities are not used or used in different ways (Penrose,
2006). Observation is significant to the
Montessori approach as teaches need to observe to be able to see what
the child is interested in and what they can do to prepare and
environment that is stimulating for the child. The also observe
children to determine where they child is at so they can prepare new
lessons for the child. They also observe the child's abilities,
reasoning, time management skills and attitudes. By doing so this
will enhance the child's development skills and the social needs of
each child is met (Roemer, 1999).
Portfolios are used to keep record of the child's performance and
they can be shared with parents and for the child to look at. They
also assess by observing their demonstration of skill mastery where
children are to perform certain behaviours so the teacher is able to
assess them. Children will develop in stages. Each stage is unique
and certain characteristics will be highlighted. If we do not asses
children, children are not able to develop to their full potential
(Isaacs & Green, 2010).
(Maria Montessori)
(August 31, 1870 – May 6, 1952)
References
Isaacs, B., & Green, S. (2010). Bringing the montessori approach to your early years practice. (2nd ed.). New York : Taylor and Francis group.
Penrose, P. (1998). Take another look tirohia ano: A guide to observing children he mono arahi ki the tiro i ngā tamariki . (2nd ed.). Rogan McIndoe Print Ltd: Dunedin.
McAlister-Young, K. (2010). Montessori approach to assessment and reporting. Montessori my school, 5(1), 1-3.
Roemer, K. L. (1999). Assessment practices used by montessori teachers of kindergarten through sixth grade students in the united states. (Master's thesis, University of Memphis).
(Maria Montessori)
(August 31, 1870 – May 6, 1952)
References
Isaacs, B., & Green, S. (2010). Bringing the montessori approach to your early years practice. (2nd ed.). New York : Taylor and Francis group.
Penrose, P. (1998). Take another look tirohia ano: A guide to observing children he mono arahi ki the tiro i ngā tamariki . (2nd ed.). Rogan McIndoe Print Ltd: Dunedin.
McAlister-Young, K. (2010). Montessori approach to assessment and reporting. Montessori my school, 5(1), 1-3.
Roemer, K. L. (1999). Assessment practices used by montessori teachers of kindergarten through sixth grade students in the united states. (Master's thesis, University of Memphis).