1. Western University Department of English
Foundation of Education Page 1
Student’s name: Phien Davy
Lecturer: Soeung Sopha
Course: Foundation of Education
Date: 17-08-2013
Maria Montessori (pioneer of Teaching and learning)
Maria Montessori was born in 1870 in Chiaravalle (Ancona, The Marches), and died in
1952. She was an Italian educator and she devised an internationally popular method of early
childhood education. As a pioneering women‘s educator, she vigorously challenged those who,
because of sexist stereotyping, argued that women should not be admitted to higher and
professional programs. She was admitted to the University of Rome and became the first women in
Italy to be awarded the degree of doctor of medicine.
As a physician, Montessori worked with children categorized as mentally handicapped and
psychologically impaired and her methods with these children were so effective that she concluded
they were applicable to all children.
Next, the point that discuss about her principles of teaching and learning. In 1908 Montessori
established a children’s school (Casa dei Bambini) for impoverished children in the slums of Rome.
In this school, she constructed a special prepared environment that featured methods, materials, and
activities based on her observations of children. She believed that children possess an inner need to
work at interest them without the prodding of teacher and without being motivated by external
rewards and punishment. Children, she found, are capable of sustained concentration and work.
Enjoying structure and preferring work to play, they like to repeat actions until they master a given
skill. Children’s capacity for spontaneous learning leads them to begin reading and writing on their
own initiative.

2. Western University Department of English
Foundation of Education Page 2
Other point is talked about education and schooling. Montessori’s curriculum included three
major types of activities and experiences: practical, sensory, and formal skills and studies. The last
point is Montessori’s curriculum that influence on education practices today. She emphasized that
early childhood education has a high power over a person’s adult development. Her significance
educational contributions include her (1) concept of sensitive periods, phases of development, when
children are ready to work with materials that are especially useful in sensory, motor, and cognitive
learning; (2) belief that children are capable of sustained self-direct work in learning particular skill;
and (3) emphasis on the school as part of the community and the need for parent participation and
support. In addition, there are thousands of Montessori schools worldwide and some six thousand
operate in the United States. Most of these schools are private and use her training program (using
the didactic materials in the prepared environment).
In conclusion, the purposes of her education assist children’s sensory, muscular, and
intellectual development in prepared environment. I think that her method for childhood education
is good because nowadays there are many school still practice her curriculum. Her materials and
approach to teaching and learning are widely used today. In addition, in Cambodia I saw one school
(Sun Montessori School) that follows her method for educate small children. This school prepares
the environment like material to develop children’s practical, sensory, and activities with children.