Faculty of Education - Theses

Permanent URI for this collection

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1

The meaning of freedom in the education of the child : Maria Montessori

Santosa, Dini Budijanti ( 1988)

In this work an attempt has been made to study Montessori's life and educational activities. Her early educational environment and its effects are analysed and an attempt made to show how these influences produced in Montessori the germs of her educational theory regarding the freedom of the child. An attempt is made to show how the theory of the freedom of the child is congruent with the psychological theories which were popular at that time. The theoretical and practical application of the freedom of the child in its education is analysed in relation to the adult environment, the family and the school. An attempt is made to show how the Montessori material can lead the child to freedom and self-discipline. The origin of the Montessori method of education is discussed Although Montessori (as she herself admitted) adapted her theory and material from other scientists, it was her ingenuity that has made her method successful and original. Finally, it is shown that early child training in movement, which she entitled work , is a constant in her system Montessori's theory that the child's intellect can be enhanced by providing educational materials which can lead to the child's ordering his mind at an early age has relevance to our age and the significance for contemporary practice in schooling is noted.