montessori integrative learning

Background for Montessori Integrative Learning

There is a growing awareness that our current institutions, including educational institutions, are not addressing the world’s most pressing issues: ecological well-being, social justice, violence, alienation, and a lack of meaning and inspiration.

There is an extraordinary need for institutions to understand the new social reality. Educational programs, which have so much impact on the ability to effectively deal with these issues, have a particularly strong obligation in this regard. This M.Ed. in Montessori Integrative Learning draws on the ideas and practices of those who have deeply studied and wisely responded to today’s opportunities and problems.

Questions that arise in Montessori Integrative Learning

What are the radical roots of the Montessori vision?

How do current scientific findings support and expand that vision?

What is a learning community and what capacities are evoked through participation?

In what ways can we bring a sense of community – local, regional and global – to the learning process?

How might cosmic education lead to systemic thinking, integrated learning and the creation of the new human as described by Maria Montessori?

Collaborative Learning Communities

During the last 20 years there has been a proliferation of courses and degrees offered under the umbrella of distance learning. For the most part these academic pursuits are similar to attending a conventional university. The professor lectures and gives out assignments, students submit papers, there are tests and there are grades.
In contrast we promote an integrative view hosted by a uniquely designed online education eCampus where students work in collaborative learning communities; where faculty are mentors and co-learners; where creativity and self-direction are valued; and where there is a an understanding of dialogue as process.
Hence, the course of study emulates the principles of the Montessori approach by setting an example for non-adversarial adult interaction. Communication embraces an appreciation for each person’s contribution to the learning process.
TIES online Campus is a social space for community development, collaborative learning, in-depth conversations, and systems-thinking in a supportive atmosphere that is focused and well-organized.

 

Experiential Learning

The nature of the practicum is based on the option you have chosen.
Emphasis Area students take their new knowledge and apply it in a real setting.
The teaching practicum for students enrolled in the Montessori Teacher Preparation option involves presenting lessons across all areas of study and reflecting upon what was learned from this experience. Students also explore the process of creating Montessori lessons that respond to the needs of the child. Cosmic stories form the foundation for of this work.
All students are required to complete a 150 hour experiential learning component.

Integrative Learning Seminars

The core material and course work is presented through a series of on-line seminars where students and faculty post responses to an assigned reading (or viewing). Subsequent to the initial posting, participants comment and weave responses, searching for new insights. Quite often the authors of the required books and/or experienced scholars are available during the on-line dialogue.

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