Maria Montessori’s approach to education demonstrates a core developmental theory that spans the biological, cognitive, and social domains. While many might contend that this method lacks consistent and valid outcome data, it continues to be utilized in more than 4,000 schools in the United States, and it is one of the most prolific educational approaches used across the world. Utilizing the resources on Montessori, or researching your own, summarize the key points that distinguish the Montessori Method. Second, critique the statement that the Montessori Method may be the most sensitive to diversity of the foundational theories of cognitive development. Module Four Montessori Resources: The Intelligent Search: Some Considerations on the Montessori Method American Montessori Society Montessori: The International Montessori Index In this short paper, be sure to address the following critical elements:

 Key Points: How do the techniques and approaches to education in the Montessori Method relate to theories of learning (i.e., social learning, behaviorism)? What distinguishes Montessori from Piaget or Vygotsky? In what ways might Montessori be similar to those approaches? Despite its worldwide popularity, why is the Montessori Method less recognized by researchers in cognitive and learning fields?

 Critique: How does the origin of Maria Montessori’s interest in child development imply sensitivity to diversity? What aspects have been suggested to support this method as being diversity sensitive? Given the method’s worldwide popularity, how does this indicate its application across diverse populations?

Guidelines for Submission: Your paper must be submitted as a two- to three-page Microsoft Word document with double spacing, 12-point Times New Roman font, one-inch margins, and at least three sources cited in APA format. Instructor Feedback: This activity uses an integrated rubric in Blackboard. Students can view instructor feedback in the Grade Center. For more information, review these instructions.

Critical Elements Exemplary (100%) Proficient (90%) Needs Improvement (70%) Not Evident (0%) Value

Key Points Meets “Proficient” criteria and the summary is substantiated with specific and relevant details supported by research

Provides a detailed summary of the key points that distinguish the Montessori Method

Provides a summary of the Montessori Method, but the summary lacks details

Does not provide a summary of the key points that distinguish the Montessori Method

40

Critique Meets “Proficient” criteria and the critique is substantiated with specific and relevant details supported by research

Provides a detailed critique of the statement that the Montessori Method may be the most sensitive to diversity of the application of foundational cognitive developmental theories

Provides a critique of the statement that the Montessori Method may be the most sensitive to diversity of the application of foundational cognitive developmental theories, but the critique lacks details

Does not provide a critique of the statement that the Montessori Method may be the most sensitive to diversity of the application of foundational cognitive developmental theories

40

Articulation of Response

Submission is free of errors related to citations, grammar, spelling, syntax, and organization and is presented in a professional and easy-to-read format

Submission has no major errors related to citations, grammar, spelling, syntax, or organization

Submission has major errors related to citations, grammar, spelling, syntax, or organization that negatively impact readability and articulation of main ideas

Submission has critical errors related to citations, grammar, spelling, syntax, or organization that prevent understanding of ideas

20

Earned Total 100%