Questions about Montessori ?

Questions about Montessori ?

When you search “ Thailand Montessori Schools “  You will found the picture above. 

   

         Recently we were contacted by” South East Globe” a regional English Language magazine.    They are producing an “October Education Special”.  They wanted to include Montessori education information and so due to our prominent experience in the region in this field, turned to us for some answers.  They asked us a number of pertinent and very specific questions that would be of interest to parents in the region. We thought that many of our parents may be interested also, along with our answers:  I have therefore listed some of them below. Our Answers are from our fifteen years experience providing a Montessori experience on Phuket Island.

QUESTION: In recent years, has there been greater interest in Montessori schooling in Thailand?

ANSWER : Yes, There are now Montessori schools in most areas of the country particularly in areas with expatriate residents.

QUESTION: If so, what do you believe to be the main reasons behind this?

ANSWER :  Throughout the world there is a desire for a better method of education than provided by traditional schools. This applies to both expats and Thai locals. Montessori schools in general have a
good record of success and meet the needs for a more child centered education.

QUESTION: What kind of support has the Ministry of Education given to the Montessori movement?

ANSWER :  The Thai Government has proven sufficiently flexible to give licenses to Montessori schools and during assessments have an understanding of the different approach to education provided by

Montessori schools. Its main concern, however, is with providing an efficient school system for the Thai citizens in general.

QUESTION: How closely does the Montessori House Phuket stick to Maria Montessori's original methods and philosophies?
    Do you embrace technology for example? And do you know if other schools in Thailand differ - and if so, do you believe they should be allowed to call themselves Montessori schools?

ANSWER  : If we can use the word 'Pure' to describe a school which closely follows the Montessori Philosophy then I would describe ourselves as being as pure as we can be. One of the most fundamental criteria for assessing this is the qualifications and training of the teacher, which is fundamentally different from the training of a traditional school teacher. There are a number of accreditation institutes and they each vary but not by much. Also we have a full set of Montessori materials again essential in describing a Montessori school as pure.

     Another factor is the expectation of the parent. If a parent has no understanding of the Montessori system and puts a child in a Montessori system and expects it have the same outcomes and systems as a traditional school, then you may expect some criticism from some parents. Sometimes however, these parents are pleasantly surprised by the results if they give the system a chance.
     It is also true that some schools may be attracted to some aspects of The Montessori system without fully understanding it, or maybe they only use aspects of the system in the kindergarten. To be called a Montessori school then I believe they should endeavor to fully embrace the system.
  Concerning technology I am assuming you mean information technology. In this case we feel that for young children they need to develop all their senses including touch and learning from real objects. They have plenty of time to develop computer skills at an older and more appropriate age, which we are happy to do.

QUESTION: How does the Montessori Method fit in with Thai culture?

ANSWER : Thailand has a Buddhist tradition which promotes inner peace which complements the Montessori Philosophy very well.