Montessori methods: Montessori approaches to teaching and learning are employed at thousands of schools around the world. Montessori practices emphasize responsibility, engagement, independence, and holistic education through:
Rigorous integrated academics: Educational efforts across the country are shifting to emphasize integrated, applied learning in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) to meet the required national and state academic standards and the needs of a rapidly changing economic, cultural, and social landscape. These methods include:
Community-based methods: Curriculum utilizes the vast ecological, cultural, and social resources in the Four Corners through field experiences and partnerships with local institutions, higher education, and community organizations. Learning is contextualized both locally and globally, allowing concrete studies of local communities to be transferred to more abstract, global contexts. Service-learning, community participation, and outreach are important components of the curriculum.
Bringing it all together: Each of these educational approaches overlap in both theory and practice. Montessori classrooms use Project-based learning and Community-centered approaches as standard practice. By building capacity through curriculum and professional development in STEAM, we will emphasize the applied sciences and arts in all grades, K-8.
- Carefully constructed classrooms (“prepared environments”) where children are challenged to use materials specially designed to build critical thinking, foster independence, apply abstract concepts, master academic skills, and instill a sense of responsibility and purpose in academic endeavors.
- Multi-age classrooms where learning is differentiated, tailored to each student through one-on-one lessons, ability grouping, peer-mentoring, and collaborative learning.
- Extended blocks of learning time where content depth and critical thinking skills are emphasized in place of broad content coverage and fact-based learning.
- Student-centered instruction where individualized learning plans drive student work choices. Teachers act as guides who support students in setting goals, structuring work periods, and choosing works and assignments within a specific range of choices.
Rigorous integrated academics: Educational efforts across the country are shifting to emphasize integrated, applied learning in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) to meet the required national and state academic standards and the needs of a rapidly changing economic, cultural, and social landscape. These methods include:
- Inquiry learning - students investigate real-world problems and issues that allow them to apply and direct their natural curiosity.
- Project-based learning - curriculum is structured around projects that integrate all subject areas with an emphasis on applied Mathematics, Science, Technology, Engineering and the Arts.
- Community connections - students work closely with community partners through mentorships, consultations, collaborations, and information sharing, further authenticating their efforts.
Community-based methods: Curriculum utilizes the vast ecological, cultural, and social resources in the Four Corners through field experiences and partnerships with local institutions, higher education, and community organizations. Learning is contextualized both locally and globally, allowing concrete studies of local communities to be transferred to more abstract, global contexts. Service-learning, community participation, and outreach are important components of the curriculum.
Bringing it all together: Each of these educational approaches overlap in both theory and practice. Montessori classrooms use Project-based learning and Community-centered approaches as standard practice. By building capacity through curriculum and professional development in STEAM, we will emphasize the applied sciences and arts in all grades, K-8.