Multi-age classrooms allow children the time and space to develop naturally, and the peer-led learning it facilitates further strengthens social bonds, first as they receive guidance from older kids, and then as they pass it on to the younger ones, learning patience and leadership skills.
Of course there are other factors contributing to the success of the Finnish system. Private education (and healthcare) is almost non-existent. Teaching is a prized profession, harder to get into than Law. All teachers have government-funded masters degrees and are paid as well as doctors. Unfortunately, these things are not likely to be rolled out in Australia any time soon.
What is currently available in Australia are simple, common sense initiatives in the classroom, which will see our children blossom into free-thinking, curious, courteous, and empowered Australians.
Take the issue of standardised tests. While most parents are falling over themselves to teach their kids how to do exams, the Fins ignore them almost completely. They do one, at age 16, and that’s it. Dr Sahlberg, says “we don’t measure children at all. It’s about being ready to learn and finding your passion.” This prepares them for worthwhile challenges, so they are fully equipped with all the tools to be able to solve any problem, not just what’s on the test in front of them.
Now, that’s all well and good for the Fins, but in Australia, we do have tests. One common misconception about Montessori schools is that they operate out on their own. In fact, they do follow the same syllabus and curriculum as everyone else, they just approach it differently. So whether or not Australian Montessori schools endorse the standardised tests, they do them just like everyone else. And the results bear testament to the success of the approach shared by Finland and Montessori schools all around the world.
Clearly there is power in this philosophy. A child’s intuition is one of the strongest forces in the universe, and when we put our trust in it, we see wonderful things happen. By giving them the chance to find their passion in their own time and on their own terms, it gives it a power that not even standardised testing can quash. You might not be able to move to Finland. And let’s be honest, it’s too cold anyway. But you can choose Montessori, and that’s about as close as it gets.
No other education captures the passion and sheer joy for learning the way a Montessori education does. Give your child the best start in life – at Cameragal Montessori School.
