Role of teacher in a Montessori
Teaching is a Cooperative Art just as farming and healing. It means that in teaching the primary cause of learning taking place is not the act of teaching, or the activity of the teacher. Learning takes place due to the natural ability of the human mind to learn and grow. The teacher’s role is to simply act as a cooperative artist in this production of learning. Maria Montessori thus used the title “directress” to explain the role of the teacher in a Montessori. The teacher is not the primary cause of learning she is rather a facilitator and a guide. They do not simply transfer lessons and curriculums. By preparing a suitable environment, observing the children and giving brief lessons according to the interest and need of the child, the teacher in a Montessori helps children learn independently. Mostly children in Montessori’s are working on their own or in small groups. The teacher’s role is three fold. She has to prepare an environment which is meant to facilitate a child’s independence. He should be able to select work freely from activities that appeal to them. Material is added and removed by teachers over time based on her observation of the children. The teacher is a Montessori has to be a keen observer of the children in her class. Maria Montessori herself worked and developed her theories using this method and her findings are based on her observations and experiences with children. By observing the needs, progress and sensitive periods of a child they are able to modify the environment and her lesson plan accordingly. She is a dynamic link between the prepared environment and the children. Montessori teachers are supposed to give brief lessons to children. While keeping the lessons as brief as possible the purpose is to bring the child in to a state of mind which helps them further work with materials on their own. Lessons are based on the simplest information and include observing the child while he is exploring, going to the child and taking