EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY
Change is an evolutionary process; the problems of our world will only be solved when we have produced sufficient generations of healthy, caring and conscious individuals. Education is the most profound vehicle for change at the personal, societal and global levels. Schools need to help students to develop what is essential to authentic success, freedom and happiness: the skills and habits of responsibility; self-control; independence; a capacity to concentrate; collaboration and cooperation; creativity; a genuine respect for self and all others, along with the healthy pursuit of excellence.
No matter the educational format, all students need be recognized as individuals, with differing strengths, interests and challenges. Diverse intellects and personalities respond to the world in multiple ways. Therefore, multi-aged groups of students and varieties of choice in academic activities make the most sense. Using materials to help children learn concepts by doing, are the most natural way to learn because it utilizes both sides of the brain. All children deserve support, honesty, openness and consistency from their teachers. The best learning environments are based upon mutual respect, coexistent with clear boundaries and expectations.
Schools can nurture students in creating positive, life-affirming belief systems. They can help students avoid the undermining forces of judgmental, condemning, unrealistic and self-negating patterns of thought. Great schools help to mitigate the more fearful and negative cultural influences that exist in society. Schools should aspire to be an oasis of sanity, to empower students to honor truth, to demonstrate the values of peaceful community, caring and cooperation. As media and advertising comes to exert greater and greater influence over young people in particular, it becomes even more vital for schools to promote a healthier reality.
As students grow older, a strong community is essential as they naturally seek acceptance and identity in their interactions with peers and adults. Regular activities to guide and reinforce this creative process of community must be built into the curriculum. Interactions with the wider community of the outside world through service, internships, the arts, outings and trips are also vital. Opportunities to be responsible in the world beyond the school greatly assist the maturation process.
Students, parents and educators can become a constructive triangle that supports all concerned. This can only be achieved by good communication. Teachers can initiate this through openness and tactful honesty with parents, while doing all they can to support positive development in the students. Understanding the challenges of contemporary family life will enhance teachers’ effectiveness at guiding students and parents alike.
Students need adults they can trust. As children enter adolescence, in particular, it is an often challenging arena for the adult, a difficult developmental period for all. Flexibility, compassion, patience, forgiveness, and open-mindedness are essential characteristics for educators; also a well-honed sense of humor is indispensable. Adults can benefit from time each day to relate to one another, laugh together and lend mutual support.
Ultimately, a population of sensitive and healthy adults will stimulate, challenge and guide students to intellectual growth, maturity and accountability. Young people tend to meet adult expectations, whether high or low or in between. Educators must support and empower students with the academic tools, confidence and social skills to excel. We can help them to inculcate attitudes that work is positive and fulfilling, rather than onerous. We can point out the reality that we all have roles to play; at present their main work in life is to be students.
Every classroom atmosphere is a reflection of all the personalities therein. It is the job of the educator to set the proper tone: the good-humored pursuit of truth, kindness, and excellence.
In other words, we need authentic Montessori education delivered by highly conscious adults.
Christopher Ackerman