How does a child learn best?

[Mickey]

I have been getting conflicting ideas about learning lately.

I was into the Montessori method...the basic idea there is that child-led learning is better because children will learn something better when they're ready to learn it and when they are interested in learning it. It's very "free". The classroom is child-led and the teacher is not the focal point. The children "choose work" and have a "practical life" area where they scrub a rock with a toothbrush or clean tables with a bucket of soapy water and a sponge. They also have a "sensory area" where they methodically pour rice slowly and deliberately from one glass to another or transfer items from one container to another with tweezers. These activities all have their place in the learning process. While there are language areas and areas where they do beadwork (which teaches math), they don't do memorization, nor do they practice writing letters and numbers.

Sounded like a great idea, but I've realized that it just doesn't work for my ds. He needs more guidance and help focusing. He spent too much time "choosing" to misbehave and getting into stuff.

So, I'm now researching other "methods" of learning and the one I was reading about tonight talks about "classical learning" and how there are three stages of learning. They went on about how, from 1st to 4th grade, children actually find memorization fun. So during this period, education involves not self-expression and self-discovery, but rather the learning of facts. Rules of phonics and spelling, rules of grammar, poems, the vocabulary of foreign languages, the stories of history and literature, descriptions of plants and animals and the human body, the facts of mathematics -- the list goes on. This information makes up the basic building blocks for the second stage of education, which is the "Logic Stage".

So which is it? Do children learn better when they choose what they want to do or by memorization and repetition?

How does a child's brain actually develop? How does the learning process work over time? How do they really learn best?

I know that some people are more "visual" learners or learn better using a "hands on" approach, but regarding how the brain develops, doesn't one of the above mentioned methods have to be way off? The ideas on which these two methods are based are totally opposite.

[angie r]

I am going to ask a question. I am not meaning to put anyone down, just a question I have had. My sil is totally into the Montesorri method of education for her ds. She really likes the choices that are given and feels that it trains a child to be self motivated.

Does the Montesorri method turn out a smarter more employable adult? Is their some study that says "80% of all montesorri students go on to Ivy League schools and high paying jobs?"

[Mickey]

I've asked the same thing, Angie, and I've been told that there aren't any "studies" with hard statistics. All of the success stories I've heard have come from the school/teachers themselves or Montessori websites. And they claim that most children transition into traditional schools well, if it's done at the "right" time (at a three-year transition period).

It really sounds so good in theory and it's something I think I would have loved as a child, but I was a very different child from my ds.

I have a friend who had her dd in both the Montessori schools here in town and she put her into public school when she realized her dd couldn't read at age 9. So I've heard some mixed things about it.

I think it's a personal thing and I think it may work for some kids who are generally more self-motivated and accepting of gentle guidance, but I don't think it's for everyone.

[AnnW]

I think it depends on the child. On one hand, ds would thrive in a self start enviroment because he is very motivated, but yet he is a real pleaser and goal oriented so that free style would also frustrate him. He needs to have the structure of a classroom where "today we are going to learn this" and he learns it, gets praise from the teacher or an A, and then goes to the next goal.
DD would LOVE an atmosphere like that, but would always be in the play center! LOL She doesn't really like structure but needs it to learn, she does well in one on one teaching experiences like her reading recovery program that she was in. She is also a very visual learner and tactile learner rather than auditory.
I do agree that repetition helps at this young age, but it doesn't have to be the boring way that we were all taught. The kids are learning to memorize their math facts and ABC's, site words ect now, but it's done in more a game/play way.

[MK]

I found a book at a garage sale a few years back, perhaps you can get a bookstore to special order it for you. It is called, "How Your Child IS Smart" (versus How smart your child IS), by Dawna Markova, PHD. It discusses the various learning patterns individuals use. In summary, I'm sure you've heard of visual, kinesthetic, and auditory methods. Well, this book acknowledges all three of those methods, but maintains that each individual uses all three in a particular combination, according to how his or her own individual brain is "wired". This book will explain how to observe your child, your spouse, your friends, your parents, even yourself, to find out what "pattern" of learning they/you use. Also, it may comfort you to know that this author says that MOST children's learning patterns are not fully set/established until at least 6 years of age, and that their patterns may vary until their minds are more developed. I learned a lot from this book, and found it fascinating and helpful! Basically, the point this author tries to convey is that each child is different, and what might work for one child may not work for yours.

[KathyT]

I think it depends on the child and the developmental stage the child is at. I think probably a combination is good, although to find that mix can be a daunting challenge.

Our oldest dd is a very free thinker, has a beautiful imagination and is one of those children who can amuse herself with anything for hours. She is also very pensive and thoughtful and literally destucts and challenges just about everything until she herself understands the whats and whys of it 100%. This year she has a very strict, self confident teacher who is able to answer her questions and the results are wonderful. Last year her teacher was less sure of herself and although dd loved her, she didn't come away with enough knowledge to be satisfied.

Our younger dd is very social, loves to make people laugh, but smart as a whip. She's a party doll, lol! She needs structure. She needs to be told "you have to learn this" period. At 6 1/2, she doesn't yet say "why do I have to learn this" whereas dd#1 was asking that at age 2!!!! lol!

So I probably didn't answer your question, because I am by no means an expert, but I do think it depends on the child. Dd#1 is defenitely self-led, and dd#2 who is equally intelligent needs the structure.

I guess at your ds's age you will have to try new things and see what grabs him. If the Montessori method wasn't for him, maybe it is because he is only 5 and not ready for that much freedom yet. Maybe at this point in his young life a more structured format would offer him a bit of security at school, as long as your stand behind it.

Babble, babble, babble, sorry Mick!

[Mickey]

Ann, I agree that repition does help. And I'm amazed at what an awesome memory ds has. I think most kids have a great memory, so repition and memorization makes sense.

And I do think that what works best depends on the child. I just found it so interesting that some methods are very conflicting.

The book sounds really interesting, MK! Thanks for the recommendation...I'll definitely try to find it!

Kathy, I agree that somewhere in the middle is best...extremes aren't good--in anything. And you're right...kids are always changing so what works now may not work 3 years from now. Guess they need to keep us on our toes! ;) LOL!

[coulie]

Mickey,

One more note,

My kids...both Montessori. Both reading at age three.
We withdrew from Montessori for financial reasons.
First kid... while he seemed to start off great has only just begun to hook into school (age 14 now) He has always struggled. He hates to read. He works his tail off for his grades. Great kid, has to work hard. I don't have a clue what long term effect Montessori had on his learning. I don't know if he would have struggled more or less in a different environment.


Second kid..learning has always come very naturally to him. Montessori for starters and then on to traditional public school. He always does well. He is not driven, just has zero anxiety around anything related to school. Straight "a's" always. Polishes off assignments like they were ice cream and then heads outside to play.

Montessori Schools and Teachers boast the same message....about the Absorbent Mind, sensitive periods for learning etc. The methodology and philosophy is wonderful but it is vulnerable to interpretation and application. In fact what I think it boils down to is the child and the teacher. I taught Montessori, my kids went to a variety of Montessori Schools...all entirely different when it came to the feel of each school. What made the difference was the teachers. Some of the teachers were very controling. Some of the teachers were magical. Not what Maria Montessori intended mind you, however, my second child responded very well to his magical Montessori teacher. So much so, that I explored the option of putting him in Waldorf. I never went for it but I did think it was very interesting. My older son had the very controlling teachers. He has not done as well.

Look for a match between your ds and the teacher. I think a good teacher/ child relationship serves a greater purpose than does the method.

Oh, I'll probably get slammed for my betrayal of the Montessori Method....Just watch

[AnnW]

Originally posted by coulie

Oh, I'll probably get slammed for my betrayal of the Montessori Method....Just watch



Feeling just a tad bit paranoid, sweetie?? :newwink:

[coulie]

AnnW,

Regarding Montessori???? Paranoid?? Oh yes. I feel I really betrayed the Montessori community. Montessori can be wonderful but Montessorians stick together quite a bit. They seem to believe that Montessori is the only way to afford a child optimal growth and learning opportunities.
That isn't my perspective and since taught it I doubt it sits well in the Montessori circle.

Coulie

[netmechwife]

When I was in elementary I did well. I knew it was expected of me too. In middle school I was placed in advanced classes. I was excited but it took alot of help and encouragement from my wonderful teacher, because I had low self esteem. I was always being told at home that I was stupid and couldn't do anything right (even though I was the only one bringing home straight A's in my family...) This teacher encouraged me and helped me to feel like I was as good as the other kids in her advanced class. When I got into high school while moving a lot and going through foster care I did horrible in school. I was bored and felt like it didn't matter. Then in 12th grade I homeschooled and did extremely well. I learned quickly and could go at my own pace. I had a set curriculum but could work through it much faster than if I had to wait on the class

Some people do better with a lot of motivation.
I had a high iq but needed someone to motivate me and have to work hard at it. I like to learn but get distracted and bored easily.
My dh has a high iq and breezes through everything. He can read a book and retain everything he needs to know to master the subject. He seeks knowledge. If he wonders about something he likes to find out all he can and teaches himself.

Sorry this is so long... I hope it made sense and helped.
I think learning style has a lot to do with personality type...

[coulie]

netmechwife,

how did you learn what your IQ was?

Coulie

[netmechwife]

In order to get into advanced classes I had an IQ test done. I also had one done when I was in foster care as part of my "psychological testing. Don't remember what it was though. Just remember they commented that it was suprisingly high.

[JeannieOR]

This is a very interesting subject. I've enjoyed reading all the posts. I've read "How Your Child IS Smart" and I agree, it is a wonderfully written book. I just started reading "Frames of Mind- The Theory of Multiple Intelligences" which is a little more in depth.

I wonder about my dd all the time. She is very independant and immaginative but she lacks direction. I'm afraid what would happen if she were given too many choices.

[Amy J]

The fact is children learn through play!

This is part of the basis for Montesorri learning. (I feel that they sometimes go off the deep end).

Memorization is just that. Its not learning. It does not involve thought processes or problem solving. Likewise worksheets are not good learning tools either.

Children's activities should be initiated by the child. IF the child is having problems choosing, there can be systems set in place to help. For example, A child must complete a chart by getting a sticker on each square for visiting each center. Or beads that tell the child which center is open.

Here's an example of what children learn through playing. When chidlren play with blocks they are:
-stimulated to building, children learn about "work"
-encouraged to have dramatic play which increases socio/emotional growth
-stimulated with thinking skills and decision making
-learning concepts
-developing skills
-releasing tension
-learning the sense of satisifaction in one's work
-building motor skills- both fine and gross
-enhancing eye-hand coordination
-developing visual perception
-learn patterning (design), symmetry (balance of design), overall balance of weight and size
-develop language skills
-learn matching
-learn matching block to symbol while putting blocks away
-Not to mention the following concepts: area, space, size, shape, depth, balance, distance, gravity, value, weight, position, three dimensionality, classfication, conservation, representatation, discrimination, equivalence, reversibility, measurement, relationsips, patterning, directionality, symmetry, topology, mapping, number, stability, surface, fractions, bridging, matching, seriation, cause and effect, and one-to-one correspondence.
( Room to Grow, TAEYC)

That's a lot more than a child can learn through memorization, worksheets, or sitting at a desk or table. And of course, that's one small part of the classroom experience.

[JeannieOR]

Yes that is true esspecially in the early years. Although, I believe that memomorization has value also, esspecially in the form of songs and stories. (It's a good process for the brain.)

I have a question for everyone...

What is one thing that public elementry schools can do in grades k-2 to be more developmentally appropriate.


One thing I would say to my kids school is to get them out of cumputer lab and let them do almost anything else. (more time to do stations maybe)

[coulie]

amy J,

I have been, more than once, mesmerized by the fact that Montessori Philosophy boasts these potentials for learning. The truth be told however that even as an adult I find it hard to grasp all that the Montessori environment offers. I think it is wonderful to offer vast opportunity but the question for me becomes.

" Is a child more apt to thrive due to his/her exposure to a Montessori environment as opposed to a more traditional early childhood learning environment?"

I taught in both. I tend to teach Montessori style. Empahsizing process and avoiding correction of the child in the early stages of a learning experience. I feel I can achieve this regardless of the environment so long as I observe the needs of the child and prepare ahead of time to give the child a rich experience. I think Montessori materials are superior however, I have given many a child very valuable and rich experiences without any of the materials that a Montessori environment offers.

I really put my first son to the test. He was my Montessori experience/test subject because I went through my training and internship when he was a baby/toddler. While his experience by no means represents all experiences, He was immersed in only the best of Montessori schools that the area had to offer through second grade. Having a mother that taught Montessori as well it seems to me that it was quite an oppportunity by Montessori standards. And yet, he struggled like crazy. He has no learning disabilities, is not ADD and has no emotional or social problems. He just really finds reading to be absolutley boring and this affects all of his other subjects in school. He has learned how to "make the grade" and thank goodness because at least I know now that he has a chance at college. ECE programs can boast all they want about philosophies but when it comes to your own kid not being able to take a neccessary test...well that's a heavy price to pay. Wish it could be different but it's not.

Sorry I went on and on here,

Coulie