Trevor Eissler "Montessori Madness!" - 321 FastDraw

[darinmbicknell]

The issue here is not what a conventional school lacks or what they are or are not doing to our children, or whether parts of the video are offensive to some or many. The conversation needs to be about what educational solutions can be applied to resolve the many problems that do exist. We would all agree that in America especially there is real disconnect in conventional education. Montessori is being advocated because it has a proven history of producing 'results' and should be considered.

[Caroline94127]

Darin M. Bicknell, you are more and more offensive by the minute. I won't blame Montessori for your arrogant, smug superiority, but you aren't doing your cause any favors.

[ShadowofWednesday]

As a fourteen year old public school student, I can't begin to say how offensive I find this video. To imply that public school "extinguishes the light" of every child is not only disrespectful to teachers and school administrators, it's disrespectful to the students themselves. While it's true that there are some people who learn better in the Montessori environment, public schools are a valid and often effective educational system. Please don't act like I'm worse off for going to one.

[darinmbicknell]

@ShadowofWednesday Have you ever gone to a Montessori school? Can you determine whether or not your 'flame' 'passion' or 'spark' for learning would not in fact burn much brighter in a different educational setting Montessori or others? Seems to me it is hard to be offended if you have never had the opportunity to experience the alternative. I am a product of conventional schools my children are a product of Montessori. I wish I had had their opportunities to explore learning that way.

[ShadowofWednesday]

@darinmbicknell I can't, and (by your own logic) neither can you. I don't like being told that I am not living up to my full potential, that I'm not good enough, especially if there isn't any evidence to back up this claim. I'm glad that Montessori exists, and I'm sure it's great, but please be careful once you start making generalizations.

[darinmbicknell]

@ShadowofWednesday I can & I have observed the very DIMMING as the parent eludes to in her own child in this video. Logic: I have 6+ years of observation in Montessori classrooms, including my own 3 children, as well as 11 years observation in conventional schools as a teacher and my own life as a student in those very conventional schools for comparison. What comparisons have you made? None. I suggest before you suppose your education is ideal check out other forms. That is the point.

[Caroline94127]

My issue, as you can see if you give it 2 seconds' thought, is not the praise of Montessori, which is great and fine -- but the attack on public schools and implicitly on everyone who attends them and teaches in them. "Flame dimmed." (String of unprintable epithets.)

[darinmbicknell]

@Caroline94127 I gave it more than 2 seconds of thought. I devoted 11 years to conventional education. 2 years to Montessori training and about 6+ years now to being a Montessorian for elementary aged children 6 - 12. I have 3 children who have experienced Montessori first hand since age 3. I don't think making attacks about my ability to 'think' really helps me empathize with you. Insults are fine but as you can tell I really want you to go to a Montessori school, observe, compare then comment.

[Caroline94127]

Why am I so angry? Because this shallow, snotty piece of crap attacks and disparages my children, my husband and all of public education. I have nothing whatsoever against Montessori; I don't have personal experience with it, but it sounds wonderful. What I object to is arrogant attacks against others. And that's why I'm so angry, as any thinking person would be on viewing this BS.

[darinmbicknell]

@Caroline94127 It is really unfortunate that you feel this way. In my personal experiences with Montessori and Conventional education as an educator and parent have always been positive regardless of the system. Maybe that is because I went to school in Canada. Having nothing against Montessori is great... maybe you can explore it further and judge based on observation rather than an interpretation of the video as an arrogant attack on conventional education. Is Montessori a solution?

[pattysaid]

My mother has a Master's degree in Special Education and said that this is what was missing from traditional teaching. There are a lot of great teachers out there doing their best but the odds are against them. They worry so much about making sure the kids pass the tests. It's just too bad. The way kids learn is natural. If they only have to memorize for a test, they will soon forget. I don't think that using name calling is getting your point across very effectively Mrs. Anonymous.

~a teacher

[Caroline94127]

As the wife of a public school teacher and the parent of two public school-educated kids, I cannot come up with anything printable to say. OK, I'll try -- how about arrogant insufferable elitist bigoted superior supercilious snobs. **** them and their "flame dimming."

[darinmbicknell]

@Caroline94127 Your remarks are 'understandable' considering the passion and love that educators bring to the table no matter the system you 'believe' in but why are you so angry? Seems to me attacking people as bigoted, superior etc... doesn't raise the level of debate in education. When was the last time you were in a Montessori classroom or talked to a Montessori educator? Maybe you could take a moment rethink the comment and engage in a reasonable dialogue about education.

[lindsmeg1123]

Too bad Garfield Montessori School is changing, they now have grades, homework, and big group studies! SOMEONE CHANGE THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[MrGeorge2220]

Well, this is certainly not like my Montessori school :/

[lindsmeg1123]

@MrGeorge2220 i know right!

[TheMagicPin]

One of the montessori schools near where I live is currently deteriorating. As in it's losing Montessori style learning. Some classes are taught "traditionally", as in desks and with one teacher at the front etc. etc.. A lot of the students are horrible excuses for human beings, a lot of them hate the school it's self. They ask questions similar to the 12 year olds in the video "is this on the test", because they are starting to give out homework, and do tests. It's horrible seeing this happen.

[jdehorne]

@TheMagicPin I kow that the hardest part of teaching today is having to deal with students who have no parental support and classrooms full of testing materials instead of learning materials. Students who haven't learn to their sounds, can't read and have already learned to avoid doing any work that is challenging because they don't want to show that they can't-they would rather make it appear that they 'don't want to'. Couple this with testing and we have failing schools and loss of that flame!

[MrTomtheTeacher]

Regarding the girl in the video who did floor-to-ceiling-long-division­... I wonder what kind of answer you would get if you asked what what the numbers meant, and whether she understood that she was working in hundreds of thousands, or millions? Or whether she'd just found a mechanical (but satisfying) way of getting the answer right? I'm quite sympathetic to Montessori as a way to teach young children, but this seems like a very ofdd example to use to illustrate its virtues...

[RonSchori]

This is one of the most powerful things I ever saw.

Thanks.

[chinarova]

or both students not working neither on addition nor multiplication)))

[kingbeauregard]

Wait, a girl spent all day doing one long division problem? You're really not selling me on how this is a better mode of education. She may learn calculus earlier than most students, but think of how much history or literature she's going to miss because she was allowed to indulge her Aspergers-grade obsession with math.

Among the things public schools teach are meeting deadlines and coping with drudgery, and you'd better master those skills before you hit college or get a job.

[megcl12]

@kingbeauregard I am a public school teacher, and my child attenda a Montessori school. Maria Montessori never copywrighted her name, and as a result, many schools claim to be "Montessori" schools, but really aren't. True Montessori schools teach meeting deadlines and taking responsibility (that's where your drudgery fits in) MUCH more effectively that traditional schools. If you miss a deadline in traditional school, you get a bad grade. If you miss a deadline in Montessori,

[megcl12]

@kingbeauregard (continued from below) you have to spend your free time completing the work. Which is more like "real life?"

And that little girl probably did her history the next day. Montessori students do follow their interests, but within guidelines. They create workplans with their teachers, and they are taught to manage their time (first one day, then one week, then one month . . .).

[kingbeauregard]

@megcl12 Okay, it's good to know that Montessori schools aren't quite the unstructured affairs that this video makes them out to be (unintentionally I suppose).

I'm all for finding better ways to teach, but this "I saw the light in his eyes dimming" business makes me want to steal Trevor Eissler's lunch money and dump his books.

[thewagners4]

@kingbeauregard Then you haven't seen a good Montessori classroom. As a teacher and parent, I have seen this happen to my own children as we have moved and been forced from great Montessori programs into the public classroom. When you see the love of learning leave your child, it is truly sad.

[kingbeauregard]

@thewagners4 I guess I would have to say, perhaps you haven't seen a good public school. I attended several growing up, with dedicated teachers who inspired their students and challenged them to be their best. Public schools are by no means perfect, and you can certainly produce a bad anecdote for every good one I might trot out. But the video isn't really selling me with Little Johnny Dimbulb whose "light" is so feeble as to "dim" when forced to memorize multiplication tables.

[FlashRave]

I was in montessori school for alot of my young life.

I dont think its bad, but it's misleading. Kids don't learn practical application. You learn in a very free way, but you dont really understand the use for that knowlege. In some ways i think its worse than traditional schooling because when you're not taught how to structure yourself or organize what you learn it can cripple you when you get to "the real world" and people expect you to perform a certain way.

just my two cents :/

[minnickl]

Our son went all the way through a Montessori program - K thu 8 - that was administered by the Franciscan order. It is not 'do as you please,' but rather do what you are ready for, take initiative and take responsibility. A key Montessori insight is that human learning progresses from the concrete to the abstract and their tools and approaches leverage that fact. Montessori kids routinely flourish in high schools and go on to success in college and in life.

[meleegrant]

Our daughter has been in a public Montessori school program for 7 years (preschool to 6th). Our local school district brought the formerly private Montessori program into the school system 13 years ago. Because the state of MI & teacher's union do not recognize Montessori certification, any teacher could be moved into the Montessori classroom. Parents started moving their children out so parents started a public charter Montessori school authorized by the school district, at the same site!

[paxWoman]

Please remember: it's not the 'schools' that are dimming the flames, it's the current testing culture fueled by what the powers-that-be think will 1. profit them 2. keep their party in power 3. make sure they get re-elected/get the most campaign donations 4. make them look like they really 'care' about kids. Teachers in public schools are the heroes who are doing everything in their power to keep the fire burning until the pendulum swings back to a culture of reason.

[megcl12]

@paxWoman The teachers mean well and try hard, but it is my experience (and I am a public school teacher) that the entire system is ineffective. It is not just the climate of testing that causes problems. Our educational system is based on an industrial-age model, that does not work in today's information age. It was designed to create factory workers, not leaders and critical thinkers.

[theexpertmom]

All four of my children attended a Montessori school for three years each--the BEST start to their education! Thanks for your cool video explaining how Montessori is different from other types of education.

[gotrektom]

Please, upload one video on Steiner's schools ;)

[ednoisedem]

where is the catch :) ?

[UofAZcat81]

Forgot to mention, that I just finished reading your book, Montessori Madness! A Parent to Parent Argument for Montessori Education, and what an amazing, insightful gem it is!!  Thank you for all of your great contributions to our Montessori community!!!

[UofAZcat81]

Mr. Eissler, last July, I received my AMI Montessori Primary Guide (Teacher) diploma, and I just want to say...you, Sir, are a Rock Star in my eyes!! Thank you for all you are doing to advocate for our public schools to adopt the Montessori Method of education! Bravo!!!

[jamesbauckman]

Well done Trevor. As a trained Montessori teacher, parent and school administrator I really love seeing parents who get it and want to share Montessori with the world. I am also convinced it is the best method of creating life long learners. I am really excited about this and I am actually very interested in working with you on a project like this in Bellingham utilizing your fast draw techniques. Let me know if you are interested.

[jamesbauckman]

Well done Trevor. As a trained Montessori teacher, parent and school administrator I really love seeing parents who get it and want to share Montessori with the world. I am also convinced it is the best method of creating life long learners. I am really excited about this and I am actually very interested in working with you on a project like this in Bellingham utilizing your fast draw techniques. Let me know if you are interested. I am also a parent at PMMS. Thanks for doing./sharing this.

[elohcinism]

I'm sold! BUT what about the mother who had to unenroll her child due to economic reasons? Most families can't afford private education and I feel for the boy with the dimming light.

[mariemc01]

@elohcinism There are often charter schools that are Montessori schools. Perhaps there might be one near you?

[clickaroni]

2:13

Ahh! The paper is on fire!

[Unityinfinite]

Thank you very much for this fantastic animation Trevor. It moved me. On the negative side, this is just how I experienced it when I attended "state" school, but I fought it and pretty much won : ), meaning even if I am in the mid forties today some scars still remains and still need some work. When Montessori school came to our town we sent our 9 year old son to it. Some pretty fast changes happened: independent, much more confident regarding school, creative very good writer, reader and so on.

[jfcrn]

When I transferred my oldest child to Montessori school as a fourth grader, the light came on in his eyes. Thank you for creating this.

[electricity19]

I thank the stars every day that I was lucky enough to attend a Montessori school through the end of 8th grade. It made me the person I am now, and I rather like that person. The way I wilted in the few years I had to attend a standard school make me think with horror of the defeated drone I would have become had I started out in a conventional system.. Thank you for this lovely explanation I can direct people to!

[krayne9]

My child has the fire! Can't draw that fast but she will be able to soon!!! Thanks for sharing the light on the best way to learn and thrive.

[mathstitch]

What you said is true : Montessori is the best schooling method especially because it allows the child to work at his/her own pace and to follow his/her own interest. But All the conventional schools aren't that bad ! I work in one of those (montessori training is unfortunately way too expensive) and I don't use competitive methods at all! I try to do my best to keep my students' love of learning... (Hope there's not too much mistakes in my comment as I speak French)

[MrPineapplehead1]

@tayloreh makes an interesting point. I LOVE the experience my child has had in Montessori between ages 3 - 6. The 6-9 cycle looks like it will be rewarding as well. But there are way smaller numbers in the 9+ age groups (there must be a reason for that!), and it doesn't feel at all "bright eyed" to me. I am interested in other people's experiences of Montessori in cycles 3 and 4 (9-12 and 12-15). Please share! A balanced view would be appreciated, as no single education system is perfect.

[joffidelity]

It is bullshit - letting the kids do what they want does not lead to guaranteed success. That will just encourage their arrogance and become quite self-centered. This just seems a very unnecessary time consuming course. Yea Montessori...no wonder Italyis the main culprit of the euro debt crisis now.

[florydory]

@joffidelity The Montessori model does not allow students to do "whatever they want." Rather, the rule is similar to democracy. One student's freedom ends precisely when it infringes on the freedom of others. Therefore, the emphasis is on learning personal responsibility and self discipline.

And, Mussolini exiled Dr. Montessori and burned all of her schools and writings because she refused to teach fascism.

[tayloreh]

I went to Montessori from grades 5-8 in Canada. There was a lot of what he was talking about, but there are dark sides too. Primarily in my last two years there, we were an extremely competitive, small classroom of 9 extremely different kids - there was lots of emotionally exhausting conflict (and grades). I had a huge light in my eyes and enjoyed learning, but what inspired me more than learning was showing off, ego - not working together - & no one tried to show me the difference.

[clevrpntz]

@tayloreh That sounds like the beginning of adolescence... I went to a traditional school and experienced the same thing.

[lifeonanotherplanet]

The problem is: we need people whose flame has been extinguished, to flip burgers, collect refuse, fight in Afghanistan, stack shelves, work in call centres, have lowered expectations, don't demand healthcare or a decent pension, don't ask questions, accept that it's their fault that they have a crummy life. That way resources can be rationed by the market without causing even the glimmer of a revolurtionary thought.

Could we all co-exist in a society where everyone's flame was alight?

[tayloreh]

@lifeonanotherplanet Only one way to find out.

[MrAkumthek]

Why only Montessori (preschool) There was a school of thought at IIT Bombay in India that grading system is cruelty - in pursuit of real knowledge. J Krishnamurthy, a phiilosopher in India, ran schools on pure learning and giving scope to in built talents of kids. Going further, even the society should provide such system - which I believed to be the case, in the long run. But looking at India from inside, now for last few years, I must say I am dismayed (but have not lost hope!)

[ZeeIngloriousBastard]

Those stars are red, not gold

[MegaAnimegirl21]

Montessori is a great school. I went there from primary to 6th grade and I really liked it.

[Sblaqueur]

Yep, Montessori sure is awesome....if you can afford it.

[florydory]

@Sblaqueur Actually, Montessori schools can cost LESS to run, because they don't use textbooks (a BIG expense). 2 understand the Montessori model, you could imagine that each page of a text book has been made in2 a concrete lesson --a sort of "science experiment" or puzzle; then placed on the shelf in order of the smallest isolation of difficulty for the students 2 use. So, when something new is discovered U only add ONE new lesson -rather than buying everyone new editions of entire textbooks.

[tangodowntownabq]

@Sblaqueur There are now several "free" (funded by taxpayers) Montessori schools in the U.S. In Albuquerque, we have two Montessori public charter schools (K-8 and K-6). I am a teacher at one. Entry is by lottery application. There are some extra time/money requirements for families, as we don't have school buses or a lunch program. We have the same SBA test requirements as other public schools in our state. This is our 6th year as a charter and (for what it's worth) we've met AYP every year.

[GalaxyofStarrs]

@tangodowntownabq I am incredibly interested in becoming a Montessori teacher. I never attended Montessori, but I wish I had. Would you be willing to tell me more about the pro's and con's of your job? What stresses you out, what you love most? What are the rules and requirements for you to follow? (I don't do good under 1,000 rules hence why I'm nervous to be a normal teacher) What age levels do you teach? I'm really curious.

[tangodowntownabq]

@GalaxyofStarrs

The job is very rewarding (not necessarily financially), also a lot of work. It's important to care about children and to, however naively, believe that guiding them towards becoming thinking, caring adults is possible. The Montessori dictate is"follow the child." Personalization is a tough mandate. As a public school, we need to be aware of and meet state standards. And every job has rules. There is room for creativity, using storytelling to convey ideas. I teach 5th-6th.

[teres1958]

@GalaxyofStarrs I am involved in Montessori Training Center of Minnesota. We train teachers as well as have a school. Check us out at mtcm.org where you can find some answers or give us a call!

[clevrpntz]

Milwaukee, WI has 4 public montessori schools, ans has had public montessori education since the 70s. My kids are second generation public montessori students.

[ShamrocksGetYouHigh]

So true on the whole 'is this going to be on the test?' In an Abnormal Psychology class in college last year, the lecture was on what would be a fascinating and controversial topic, Multiple Personalities, with a brilliant lecturer who had worked with many of these patients. After the lecture, and the 'any questions'?all the questions were about the exam. Not anything else remotely related to the subject in question. may have more to say about the students themselves, but just boggles the mind.

[dvm456]

Great video! It sums up Montessori in 5 minutes! As a parent of Montessori children I agree Montessori is far better than conventional schools. The best decision I ever made was choosing a Montessori school for my kids.

[florydory]

I understand the "madness." For years I have listened to people pleading, IF ONLY there were a way for our kids to learn at their own pace (without having to wait for everyone else in the room)! IF ONLY there was a way kids could stay motivated to learn! IF ONLY there was a way for our family’s heritage to be respected! IF ONLY there was a way that balanced creativity with academic rigor! Montessori has made all these things available for over 100 yrs --eventually we will make the connection.

[cloud19731]

Love this video, so many ask what is Montessori? I shall have a resource that is fun and vivid to tell others.  Thank you for your dedication. My son has had the experience of being in conventional, christian and montessori schools and he has expressed how much he loves montessori school. He is going into the teens program and is happy to be a part of the school. He has no stress now and is becoming more independent with all he does. We love montessori!

[maytums]

We chose Montessori for our children because we understood that God wants us to love learning from Him and we responded to the idea that our children would become lovers of learning -- we have not been disappointed, rather our average and wonderful children AMAZE us with what they have learned and how much they love going to school.

[Rozax]

I love this video! It's practically a response to the RSA Animate on Changing Education Paradigms (id = zDZFcDGpL4U).

[harpy515]

Sending me to Montessori was the best decision my parents ever made for me.

[LydiaStec]

This is incredible! I so remember when I had to pull my daughter out of Montessori because I couldn't afford it as a single mother. My daughter had to attend traditional school and is now 15 years old and has completely lost interest in eduction totally! My six year old son is in Montessori and LOVES it! I will do whatever I can to keep him in his Montessori school because of what happened to my daughter!

[pruthvibanwasi]

THis is one of the best and effective explanations in the least amount of time, HOW can we spread this here in INDIA ??

[kermitinthesun]

@pruthvibanwasi

There are Montessori schools in India and their presence is growing. I ask the same questions about the US, though. Our experience with Montessori has been amazing. I don't understand why there aren't more schools.

[kagri]

This is wonderful! May we please link this to our Montessori class website?

[savedanyway]

Nice job! 

[xxAlmostInsanity]

I've gone to the same Montessori school my entire life and have been graced with the joy of seeing it grow alongside me. Every experience I've had involving my wonderful school has been an incredible one. Every word in this video is absolutely true. I can see that light in my own eyes and I honestly do have a love for learning, just as all children should.

[juliavolkman]

Trevor, This is wonderful. Thank you for your enthusiasm, clarity, and inspiration. We're not worthy!!!

Julia Volkman

[hartogsmith]

thanks for doing this, trevor. great tool for outreach.

[GinnyWinn]

The way the story is told, I am left feeling sad about the little girl whose parents could not longer send her to Montessori. I taught in a Montessori school in the 60s. Wonderful not doubt. How can we bring the same encouragement of wonder to public schools, so that all created equal will have equal rights? P.S. I have worked in public schools and there are some creative teachers and people doing great work to support our kids. And yes, I wish every child such an education!

[Tygerr30]

Wow, let me say it again...WOW. I've been a director of a Montessori School for years and I must say this presentation is on point. I hope that more and more people open their minds up to Montessori.

[zetfet1122]

We have a PUBLIC Montessori! It is awesome to have a free option availiable in our town. Thank goodness for charter schools.

[BeckaJimenez]

I love it!!! Great explanation of the differences between Montessori & traditional public education in a format that appeals to everyone & is understandable by all!! Thanks so much!

[svarod]

As a Montessori-dad in Norway I find it a good and impressive explanation - of how it is. I had not thought of the flame, though. A very good picture. And my 8 yo son loves his school!

[codysanantonio]

Go Trevor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cody Sanantonio

[brunoaudet]

oustanding! breathtaking! extraordinary! wonderful! superb! beautiful! out of this world! intelligent! brilliant! fabulous! marvoulous! smart! ingenious! I`m just speachless. Thank you very much Mrs. Guinn for sending this link to me. I`ll make sure to pass it over... and over... and over! Bruno Audet

[lisa66034]

so much fun in the montessori method ,love it :)

[marikuja]

An outstanding explanation of Montessori methods and why they make so much sense compared to what is offered in most American public schools.

[djoie]

Fantastic video! You've captured the essence of Montessori and literally illustrated what its all about!

[montessoriprintshop]

FANTASTIC!! We will definitely share this video with our readers/customers.

[decolo]

This is wonderful. Thank to Kamilla for sending this link

[lucinda360]

outstanding! this is just what we needed.

[curiouskiwi]

This is absolutely wonderful.  I will be sharing it with all of the parents at our Montessori school and with all of my friends. Thanks!

[onthetee1]

Amen!

[gokhanvarol1973]

Great video! Thanks for sharing!

[willowejp1]

LOVE IT!!! Finally, I have a video to show friends and family what in the world I do as a Montessori teacher! Thank you!!!!! 

[bnm092009]

beautiful! well put

[aldeamontessori]

Congratulations, Trevor! This is a wonderful addition to your message. Thanks for sharing it!

[MattBronsil]

Trevor Eisseler has an amazing way of taking this subject and condensing it to give people an amazingly clear understanding. I wish I could sit and click "like" all day to this video.

[TheaBredie]

Great job in showing the benefits of a Montessori education for children aged 6 to 12 and upwards. Thank you!

[MontessoriLaMilpa]

this is a great ! so easy for someone without any montessori knowledge to grasp the fundamental difference.

i would like to help add caption/subtitles to this video for spanish speaking audience. we are a non-profit montessori school in ensenada mexico and would like to have our interested parents view this.

please advise how we can proceed.

thanks !

[goosedesignsdotetsy]

this message is so clear and so important! thank you for sharing something that can easily be shared with others!

[67knitter]

this is awesome, thank you!

[jessmueller]

I love this video! This is exactly why we've chosen a Montessori education for our children.