Media Release
Mangaluru, Dec 21: Early Learning Centre (ELC Kindergarten) in association with Indian Montessori Centre (IMC) introduces a new chapter in early education in Mangaluru.
The Montessori Method of education, developed by Maria Montessori, is a child-centred educational approach based on scientific observations of children. In Montessori classrooms, children collaborate in the decision-making process of their learning and the teacher offers age-appropriate activities to guide the process. The focus is on self-directed activity and hands-on learning. Montessori's philosophy and methods have been used for over 100 years in many parts of the world.
Montessori environments are hands-on and active. Young children are encouraged to continue their natural process of self- learning – the artificial setup of traditional school where children sit on desks and where lessons are often orated to students who listen passively, memorize, and take tests are avoided. Focus on textbooks and notebooks as the primary source of information is eliminated - children move around freely, chose their activity of interest, interact in a mixed-age group and learn for multiple sources.
Although this method is extremely scientific, in recent years, the implementation of the Montessori philosophy is largely being diluted. Many schools are called Montessori schools without having the right teachers and environment in place. Many teachers-training institutes do not give the required preparation to early educators with an in-depth understanding of child psychology and pedagogy. The IMTC program, on the other hand is an intensive course that gives educators the time needed to assimilate the complete message of Maria Montessori. During many months of study, there will be a complete immersion into the philosophy and psychology that is at the heart of the Montessori Method.
There is no age bar for enrolling for Montessori Training Course. Anyone above the age of 18 is eligible for pursuing this Montessori Teachers Training Course. Anyone with 10+2 level qualification or above is welcome to enrol. There are two free seats for teachers of Government schools/ persons from underprivileged backgrounds. As quoted by Dr Maria Montessori “The training of the teacher who is to help life is something far more than the learning of ideas. It includes the training of character; it is a preparation of the spirit.”
On successful completion of the course, one can get a diploma in Montessori Method of education for the age group 2.5 to 6 years. It is recognized by the government of Karnataka. It is accepted anywhere in India and abroad. Course director is Latha Rao, senior faculty and director at IMTC. Jayashree Udupa, engineer, Montessorian, and faculty at Early Learning Centre Kindergarten is the course coordinator. To learn more about the course or Montessori philosophy, one can attend a free workshop at Early Learning Centre this December 22 from 10 am to 12 noon. The workshop is open to everyone. It will give you an insight about the pedagogy and its benefits in a realistic manner. It will help parents, teachers and those who are in education to connect with your students /children both academically and emotionally. A brief demo on materials will also be presented.
Details can be found at - www.indianmontessoricentre.org, www.elcidia.org