After reading The “Banking” Concept of Education by Paulo Freire I decided that this was not a theory I agree with, The “Banking” Concept is that students are depositories and teachers are the depositor. The teachers give the students information, which they expect them to memorize. The problem with this is there is no communication between student and teacher. Students are not allowed the opportunity for hands on learning or exploring how and why things occur. The teacher feeds them information which they are expected to store in their minds for future use. “it is the people themselves who are filed away through the lack of creativity, transformation, and knowledge in this (at best) misguided system”. I agree that this is a misguided system where the students are not allowed to question how, where, or why and are they not given the opportunity for creativity or hands on learning.
The Montessori Theory by Maria Montessori is made up of principles. The principles are Independence, Observation, Following the Child, Correcting the Child, Prepared Environment and Absorbent Mind. I agree with all these principles. Students should be independent. They should be able to do things by themselves to prove to themselves that they are capable individuals. This helps build their self esteem. “Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed.”-Maria Montessori. Observing your students is the best way to learn what their needs are. You will create harmony in your classroom by fulfilling there needs. By following your students you will learn what they need to continue to learn and grow. Allow your students to choose what they want to do and give them a safe environment to do it in. Present them with choices, then stand back and let them decide. Corrected Child is the principle that you don’t raise your voice and you correct them in a calm manner. In a prepared environment there are activities set up that allows them freedom of movement and choice. Absorbent mind is that principle that they will absorb everything they see and hear in the environment around them.
I would much rather teach the Montessori theory then the Banking concept. I don’t think a teacher should just feed students information and expect them to just file it away in their minds. I believe in letting the students learn by giving them choices, working at their own pace, hands on and by giving them personal contact. As a teacher I would like to be enthusiastic, and act as a guide so that my students could learn self discipline and self direction.
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