One hundred and ten years ago, Maria Montessori, the first female physician in Italy, devised a very different method of educating children, based on her observations of how they naturally learn. In Montessori, Angeline Stoll Lillard shows that science has finally caught up with Maria Montessori. Lillard presents the research behind nine insights that are foundations of Montessori education, describing how each of these insights is applied in the Montessori classroom. In reading this book, parents and teachers alike will develop a clear understanding of what happens in a Montessori classroom and, more importantly, why it happens and why it works. Lillard explains the scientific basis for Montessori's system and the distinctions between practices in traditional, "Montessomething," and authentic Montessori education. Furthermore, in this new edition, she presents recent studies showing evidence that this alternative to traditional schooling does indeed make a difference. Montessori is indispensable reading for anyone interested in teaching, training, or considering Montessori schooling, in developmental psychology, or in understanding about human learning and education overall.

Preface1. An Answer to the Crisis in Education2. The Impact of Movement on Learning and Cognition3. Choice and Perceived Control4. Executive Function5. Interest in Human Learning6. Extrinsic Rewards and Motivation7. Learning from Peers8. Learning in Meaningful Contexts9. Adult Interaction Styles and Child Outcomes10. Order in Environment and Mind11. Recent Research on Montessori Education12. Education for ChildrenWorks CitedName IndexSubject Index