MONTESSORI AND DEWEY, A COMPARATIVE REFLECTION

 
 

Both Montessori and Dewey believed in learner centered pedagogy. Dewey believed the interests of the children should form the basis of the curriculum, which should not be divided into subjects. He believed children should be given the freedom to engage in self activity and thereby develop self initiative withing the context of a planned environment.

Montessori on the other hand, also believed children should be allowed to learn what is interesting to them and to create their own understandings albeit within the context of a prepared environment.

In Dewey's philosophy, the curriculum is always in a state of reflection and revision based on perceived needs and interests of the children. In Montessori's philosophy, the prepared environments are also subject to reflection and revision to accommodate the interests of the child.

Both Montessori and Dewey saw the possibilities of using education as a key vehicle for promoting peace. Dewey believed to solve the various problems of the world, education that promoted democracy and peace was needed. (He believed the participatory nature of democracy allowed for the positive growth of the individual and the society.)

He went further to promote an educational system that was focused on teaching an internationalism not bound by the shallow nationalist patriotism. He He encouraged the teaching of Geography and History to ensure the children grow up with a knowledge of the relationship between the past, the present and the future; and also make sure they grow up with knowledge of the diverse cultures, beliefs and occupations of people of the world.

Montessori in her philosophy promoted a global outlook and diversity in education combined with personal responsibility.

The two philosophies sought to guide children to see themselves more as global citizens than as citizens of individual nations. By promoting guiding children to grow up with a sense of collective ownership and responsibility to the larger world, they sought to make them grow up with respect and love for the world diverse cultures, beliefs and peoples.