Montessori and Brain Development - 4796 Words

Running head: MONTESSORI’S APPROACH AND RECENT BRAIN RESEARCH 1 Montessori’s Approach and Recent Brain Research Brenda Gilstrap Adrian Dominican Montessori Training Institute May 14, 2011 MONTESSORI’S APPROACH AND RECENT BRAIN RESEARCH 2 Abstract New technological advances in brain research allow scientists better understanding of how the brain develops. From birth, the task of the brain is to establish and reinforce connections between neurons. Dr. Montessori’s approach on brain development in young children coincides with much of the most recent brain research. Dr. Montessori discovered from her observations that the early years of a child’s life is the period when the brain’s capacity for learning is at its peak. She†¦show more content†¦Neurons travel in waves of millions every day. Scientists call this â€Å"migration.† Evidence shows that immature neurons have an idea to where they are migrating MONTESSORI’S APPROACH AND RECENT BRAIN RESEARCH 5 and then recognize their position within the brain. To give us an idea of the magnitude of this migration, neuroscientist Pasko Rakic has said that if nerve cells were the size of people, it would be as if the whole population of the United States were to migrate from one coast to the other (See photographs below from Restak, 2001, 12). It is also amazing that so few neurons go astray on this journey (Herschkowitz, Herschkowitz, 2001). The picture on the left is of neurons migrating, and on the right, neurons traveling along supporting cells called glial cells. Some of these cells can travel a few centimeters, which on a comparative scale, is the equivalent of a person walking from New York to California (Restak, 2001). Synapses By the twenty-fourth week, the vital organs are formed in the baby. The heart and lungs are developed and the brain has billions and billions of neurons that have branches called â€Å"dendrites,† which receive signals as an extension, or axon, which then transmits the signal further. Neurons actively seek contact with other neurons and form connections that we call â€Å"synapses† (Herschkowitz, Herschkowitz, 2001, 13). These synapses build connections by nearly two million every second until the brain hasShow MoreRelatedDefining Auto Education Of Maria Montessori Essay1266 Words   |  6 PagesDefining Auto-Education of Maria Montessori means the human ability to self-construct knowledge in the brain without external extensions or guidance. The main idea of the Montessori Method is recognition of the fact that no person is ever educated by another. He must do it himself or it will never be done. The young possess unusual sensitivity for absorbing and learni ng from his environment. He has a deep love and need for purposeful work. Math Materials supports Auto-Education of a child with theRead MoreContinuity Vs. Social Development1570 Words   |  7 Pages1) Continuity versus discontinuity: The first debate on whether our development is completely and evenly continuous, or if it is just based on age periods.â€Å"Continuity is the gradual increase in responses and behaviors.† For example, the heights, as well as the weight, show the continuity.† Discontinuity is the occurrence of development in distinct stages. For example, the change of goals during the life duration. 2) Stability versus change: The second debate asks whether our personality traits beingRead MoreMontessori Sensitive Periods1559 Words   |  7 Pagesinfantile state (Montessori, 1966, p.38). Such sensitive periods were first discovered in insects by the Dutch scientist Hugo de Vries, but according to Montessori, can also be found in children and are very important to consider in teaching. 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They both were crucial components in the development of how teachers and professors educate their students regardless of their age. There are many people that have made a great impact on education throughout history. Two of the more prominent educators are Jean Piaget and Marie Montessori. Both PiagetRead MoreEssay about Montessori Math Rationale1119 Words   |  5 Pagesespecially interested in mathematics. Rather than find them boring and absurd, they find them interesting and absorbing. It is a fact that most children in our Montessori schools manage to achieve great enthusiasm while working with mathematics. Is the preparation of their minds that allows them to reach this pleasure. Maria Montessori, London Lectures, 1946, p 41 Mathematics has always been a difficult subject for students. Many children have developed phobias and barriers towards mathematicsRead MoreMontessori Environment Essay1400 Words   |  6 Pages The first aim of the prepared environment is, as far as it is possible, to render the growing child independent of the adult. —Maria Montessori The Secret of Childhood, 1966 The Montessori Environment is prepared on six principals: Freedom, Structure and Order, Beauty, Nature and Reality, Social Environment, Intellectual Environment. 1. FREEDOM Montessori believed that a child must be free to explore and follow his own natural impulses. Within the prepared environment, the child must experience