Essay:

Education is about learning to understand that theories, curriculum, pedagogy, teaching and
all aspects of a classroom are constantly changing. As technology and studies evolve, a
teacher needs to realise that they must change with it, to give the students the most up to date,
effective way of teaching the most important information, in the most appropriate methods.
Sue Cox (2011) explains that as a teacher, change is not unusual. She agrees that educators
need to be used to and open to experiencing a constant change as new initiatives are always
being made within the workplace (pg. 1). Therefore, the idea that changes in the classroom
should be welcomed and well researched by all educators is important for all who wish to be
successful. As philosophies are written by most teachers, to help incorporate what each
educator believes inside their classroom, it is still relevant to revise and study new topics,
whether they are traditional ideas or theories that have only recently come to the surface.
Maria Montessori is a theorist that has caused controversy and discussion over her time and is
the developer of a method of teaching that is still used and studied today. As is Howard
Gardners theory of multiple intelligences, as his belief is one that can be carried over the
years for future classrooms to constantly incorporate. These theories should always be
revised and studied, as they can be interpreted and changed in different ways so that
experiences and inexperienced teachers can incorporate these methods of teaching in a
particular way that best suits their classrooms.
Maria Montessori is a theorist from the early 1900s. She focused on teaching children ways
of developing independence and skills at their own pace. Elizabeth Matthews and Abigail
Jewkes (2009) explain that through observations, and revision of her studies, she developed a
program that allowed children to grow skills to live in their world successfully and contribute
to society. Within the method, there are several principles and beliefs that separate the
Montessori theory from other traditional forms of education. It is believed that children will
learn when they are ready to learn, and that when they are born, they are born with this want
to be educated, and that they will engage in tasks that would help their development as they
arent restricted by adult responsibilities (pg. 4). Glenda MacNaughton (2010) agrees that
educators should allow for natures patterning of childrens learning capacities and that they
shouldnt order and instruct children (pg. 93). Incorporating a childs interests is a good way
for educators to have students who are willing to learn, such is the Montessori way. However,
the theory instructs that the children should have complete control over their lessons, that we
should support and aid nature, not control or force its direction in any way (MacNaughton,
2010, pg. 93). While this is important, it is also important to realise that as educators in
Victoria, there is a certain curriculum to follow, meaning this would be impossible to act out
if a student is not directed in some instances. Allow for lessons to be set out and introduced,
and then have the students explore in their way and at their own pace, giving the Montessori
Method the option of becoming into the practice by allowing for the environment to lead the
students learning, and for the educators to become the facilitators and guides (MacNaughton,
2010, pg. 94).
As educators, one theory should not be the only one to make its way into the classroom. As
all students learn differently, one theory may be an excellent way for one child to learn,
whereas it might hinder another childs potential because it is not ideal for their learning
abilities.
Howard Gardners theory is one known as Multiple Intelligences. Thomas Armstrong (2009)
explains that the concept of intelligence has lost its mystique and has become a functional
idea that is seen working in peoples lives in a variety of ways. Gardner has provided a way
of understanding the range of abilities that humans can possess by grouping their capabilities
into eight comprehensive categories. These eight intelligences are linguistic, logical-
mathematical, spatial, bodily kinaesthetic, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal and naturalist.
Thomas points out that although students have all of these intelligences, they are usually
more dominant in one over the others, therefore, having more benefits through learning the
way that they find the most understanding (pg. 7-8). To implement the Multiple Intelligence
theory into the classroom, you would have to have eight different types of the same lesson
topic, to cover all concepts and ensure each child has a choice of learning the way that he or
she learns. However, that is not always practical; therefore to make sure that you provide
multiple lessons for all students to have the opportunity to have a go at all types of
intelligences over a period of time is the most efficient way, meaning as the educator, you
have to change what method you teach your lessons by, including the different types
intelligences during each lesson. That way, not only are the children who are more dominant
in that area are enjoying and learning more, but the other children are having a chance at
learning a different way.
In a classroom, theories are put into practice to try and make the best possible classroom for
the students. However, choosing a type of theory depends on a few aspects. Who is the
teacher? Who are the students? By taking into consideration the types of people that are being
educated, allows for the best possible theory to be chosen.
It is difficult to decide what is suitable for that particular classroom, as there are many factors
to take into consideration. Therefore, putting into action two or more types of theories would
be more beneficial than one. Luz Cruz and Susan Petersen (2011) point out the importance of
providing an inclusive environment that is safe and welcoming to all students, that this
acceptance of individuality is a large key of successful teaching and learning in any
classroom. They write that to have respect toward understanding that students are different is
the beginning to creating an area that is warm, diverse and run with opportunities that
students can make use of (pg. 24). To make use of two or more theories, you are choosing
aspects from each method of teaching that would best suit the classroom, and then provide
the best learning environment for the students.
Two theories that strongly believe in creating the best learning environment for the students
is the Maria Montessori and the Multiple Intelligence theory. The Montessori Method is
based on understanding that students learn at their own pace, when they are ready to and if
they enjoy something. The Multiple Intelligence theory is one that explains that each child
learns in a different way, that although they have all forms of intelligence they are more
dominant in one particular area over the others. Both of these theories strongly point towards
teaching students when they are ready, in the best possible way for that student. To merge the
two, and create a multi-method pedagogy, would cause for a classroom that would
understand the diversity that children need. Keeping in mind that change is a good part of
life, that all theories are constantly evolving and developing, deciding on one theory to take
into practice for eternity is naive. The importance of continuing to study and be aware of new
information is vital to becoming a successful educator with the best possible outcomes for the
students.
Rebecca Forder