Compare and Contrast Pestalozzi and Montessori

Compare and Contrast Pestalozzi and Montessori

Introduction

A Brief Historical Review of Educational Philosophies

The philosophy of education has changed to a great extent from 17th century till today. The ideology given by Comenius paid emphasis on children's natural growth and their contribution to world peace and understanding. In the early eighteenth century, the focus shifted from children's contribution to the learning environment. During this era, Rousseau suggested providing children with an environmentthat may nourish their natural goodness. This approach made nature the ultimate environment for effective learning. Later after a century, when industrialism was emerging across the world, Pestalozzi came up with an educational philosophy that education must develop humans' moral and physical powers and that it should help them in coming up with clear ideas. However, in the later years of the same century, Montessori developed a new educational philosophy, which suggested that children have an innate capability to serve the world and their fellowmen. However, they must be assisted in enhancing their sensory, muscular and intellectual growth (Ozmon & M. Craver 2007).

Discussion

Pestalozzi's Philosophy and Method

Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi (1746-1827) once said that humans plant a tiny seed in the ground, and in that seed lies the whole nature of the tree. In his opinion, education is one of the means of social reform. According to him, society holds the responsibility to develop each man's abilities to the full. His methods involve careful observation of the happenings, objects and of the physical environs of the learner. Pestalozzi believed learning must take place in a natural manner. The real objects and environment must not be replaced with words though pictures can be utilized to bring in view the closer look if real objects are not easily available. In accordance with his approach, it is the idea ...