In the brain business

Dr. Maria Montessori was one of the first female physicians in Italy. She approached education as a scientist, observing children and their innate needs at each developmental stage. She then created learning materials to meet those developmental needs. This is what she meant when she told educators to "follow the child." Carefully observe children and take your cues from what they are naturally driven to do and learn. In doing so, Maria Montessori became a pioneer in learner-centered, hands-on, inquiry-based, experiential learning.

Current brain research supports the type of classroom Montessori developed over one-hundred years ago! In this exciting presentation, pediatric neuropsychologist Stephen Hughes proposes Montessori as an unsurpassed model of brain-based learning.

"Good at Doing Things" from Steve Hughes on Vimeo.

Dr. Hughes opens with the beautiful story we tell for the introduction of measuring angles. He then walks through portions of the Montessori curriculum, demonstrating the match between the design of Montessori education and current brain research. He concludes by discussing the outcomes of students who have experienced Montessori education. This is a model of education that develops life-long learners and creative problem-solvers. By teaching children how to learn, we are growing citizens with the skills and flexibility to make positive contributions to our 21st century world.

Video: "Why 21st Century Education Education Methods won't work in the 21st Century and what we can do about it" by Steve Hughes

"Bridgebuilder: Neuropsychologist Stephen Hughes Makes the Case" (Public School Montessorian) by Mark Anderson

The Science Behind the Genius by Angeline Stoll Lillard

Montessori Madness! A Parent to Parent Argument for Montessori Education by Trevor Eissler