The Montessori Teacher's Role as Observer
Watching the Classroom Leads to Better Education
Jul 6, 2009
Parents observing a Montessori classroom are often shocked to see the teacher sitting to one side of the classroom. Their preconceived notion of a teacher is one who is constantly actively engaged and interacting with her students. What they don’t realize is that the teacher is actively engaged in observation, which leads to more productive interaction with and understanding of each child.
Role of Teacher as Directress
The name that Maria Montessori gave her teachers was actually “directress”. She believed that the adult’s purpose was to direct the child on his quest to self-understanding and development into manhood. She observes the child to determine where he is in his development and guides him to appropriate lessons and activities.
Manipulating the Classroom Environment
The Montessori directress also observes the children to determine what, if any, changes need to be made in the environment to facilitate the children’s growth and development. Perhaps a pathway is too open and children feel the need to hurry through. Or, perhaps an area is too tight and children are having difficulty moving and working safely.
She will also take note of the works that are on the shelves. Those that have run their course are removed, and new ones introduced. Popular activities can be supplemented with new ones that take the concept even farther.
Classroom Management Technique
The Montessori directress uses her observation time as a classroom management technique. She can quietly enforce the ground rules of the classroom with individual children, instead of shaming them in front of the whole class. She takes note of which rules need to be reviewed. She watches the children to make sure they are being respectful with the materials, and steps in only when necessary. She can also determine if the children are “done” working for the day, and change classroom activities.
Monitoring Child Development and Developmental Milestones
While observing the children, the Montessori directress also takes notes on each child’s development as he proceeds through the curriculum. She is aware of appropriate developmental milestones and uses her observations to determine if each child is on track. If not, she can use her notes to help her choose a new course of action and in conversation with parents and other professionals.
Montessori Record-Keeping
Montessori directresses use a variety of methods to keep track of their observations. Some use objective narratives and anecdotes about situations that arise in the classroom. Others may use a checklist or a flow chart to keep track of a child’s progress through the curriculum. Many use a combination of the two to help paint a true picture of what the child is doing.
Purpose of Teacher Observation
When parents finally meet with their child’s teacher, they realize that the observation conducted by the directress is actually more beneficial to the child. They see how her copious notes allow her to manipulate the environment and lessons to best fit the needs of their child.
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