Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius [Paperback]

Angeline Stoll Lillard (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 12, 2008 | ISBN-10: 019536936X | ISBN-13: 978-0195369366 | Edition: Updated

One hundred years ago, Maria Montessori, the first female physician in Italy, devised a very different method of educating children, based on her observations of how they naturally learn. In Montessori, Angeline Stoll Lillard shows that science has finally caught up with Maria Montessori. Lillard presents the research behind eight insights that are foundations of Montessori education, describing how each of these insights is applied in the Montessori classroom. In reading this book, parents and teachers alike will develop a clear understanding of what happens in a Montessori classroom and, more important, why it happens and why it works. Lillard, however, does much more than explain the scientific basis for Montessori's system: Amid the clamor for evidence-based education, she presents the studies that show how children learn best, makes clear why many traditional practices come up short, and describes an ingenious alternative that works. Now with a foreword by Renilde Montessori, the youngest grandchild of Maria Montessori, Montessori offers a wealth of insights for anyone interested in education.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A stimulating evaluation of Montessori philosophy and practice, exploring some of the basic principles in relation to modern scientific research. . . . In particular, anyone wanting to take a detailed and critical look at Montessori education would surely benefit from reading this book."-- Montessori International

"Angeline Lillard may have changed the rules of engagement for debates on educational reform."-- Dennis Schapiro, Editor, The Public Montessorian

"Dr. Angeline Stoll Lillard has clearly summarized the research that explains why, after 100 years, the Montessori approach to education continues to be a phenomenal worldwide success."-- Tim Seldin, President, The Montessori Foundation, and Chair, The International Montessori Council

"Lillard provides a visionary framework for those currently working to advance Montessori education and those committed to furthering school reform initiatives. This is an illuminating, thoughtful, and extremely important book. "-- Richard A. Ungerer, Executive Director, American Montessori Society

"This is a great book. It is beautifully written, and expertly uses the psychological research literature to evaluate Montessori theory and practice. What an original and important contribution."-- Carol Dweck, Professor of Psychology, Stanford University and author of Mindset: The New Psychology of Success

"Lillard has masterfully explored the basic tenets of Montessori education and how they are validated with todays scientific findings. The result is a long-awaited and important contribution that contrasts with traditional education and offers evidence in support of a method that works. A stunning achievement!"--Virginia McHugh Goodwin, Executive Director, Association Montessori Internationale, USA

About the Author

Angeline Stoll Lillard is Professor of Psychology at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. An authority on learning and development, she was awarded the Developmental Psychology Division of the American Psychological Association's Outstanding Dissertation Award in 1992 and its Boyd McCandless Award for Distinguished Early Career Contribution in 1999.

Product Details

• Paperback: 424 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; Updated edition (August 12, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 019536936X
• ISBN-13: 978-0195369366
• Product Dimensions: 6.1 x 0.8 x 9.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #11,541 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #8 in Books > Medical Books > Psychology > Developmental Psychology
  • #22 in Books > Education & Reference > Schools & Teaching > Education Theory > Educational Psychology
  • #81 in Books > Business & Investing > Reference

More About the Author

Angeline Stoll Lillard is Professor of Psychology at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. An authority on learning and development, she was awarded the Developmental Psychology Division of the American Psychological Association's Outstanding Dissertation Award in 1992 and its Boyd McCandless Award for Distinguished Early Career Contribution in 1999.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

56 of 59 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The best and most scientific introduction to Montessori. April 16, 2005

By Susan Stephenson

Format:Hardcover

Since Montessori is the fastest growing method of education today, young people going into the field of education want to learn about Montessori in their university classes. Until now there has never been a book well suited to this purpose; professors will relate to the perspective of another professor, especially one who is knowledgeable in all kinds of education of children. Students will come to understand more about how we educate children in traditional education, and why Montessori is so sought after as an alternative, in both private and public school settings.

Angeline Lillard, the author of "Montessori, the Science behind the Genius" is a parent, and her book is invaluable for anyone thinking of having children, or getting ready to send a child to preschool or school. It will help parents differentiate between true Montessori schools and those that use the name "Montessori" without knowing what they are doing, which is quite common since there is no copyright on use of the name.

I cannot speak highly enough of this book and I have been in the Montessori field in one way or another since 1968 when my first child entered her first Montessori class.

34 of 36 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must-read for Parents and Educators March 7, 2005

By J. Cossentino

Format:Hardcover

Lillard's thorough and readable treatment of Montessori brings together 100 years of practical wisdom with the most recent psychological research findings. It is not easy to find clear, accurate descriptions of Montessori teaching and learning; and even harder to find accessible explanations for the complex theory that underlies Montessori practice. This book does both. For those of us who have always wondered what was going on at the Montessori school in our neighborhood, Lillard's lucid prose provides a window into the classroom. And for those parents as well as as educators who wonder whether the method really "works," Lillard not only explains how, but produces evidence for why.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Recommended to me by a Montessori teacher November 29, 2007

By mommyofone

Format:Hardcover

I was familiar with the basics of Montessori education before I read "Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius". I have been drawn to it ever since I first heard about it because it feels more natural and right than traditional public school. I read this book in an effort to understand the system better and to be able to defend my choice to well-meaning but critical friends and family. I was not disappointed.

Lillard first compares traditional education with the Montessori system, pointing out how each came to be and how they have evolved over time. She then looks at what she considers to be the eight principles of Montessori education. Each is explained in depth, compared in depth with traditional education, and then research is provided in support of each principle. In her research, Lillard discovered that none of Montessori's central points have been disproven, many have been proven, and several are in need of further research.

Pros: This book cites many, many scientific studies. It is well-written and easy to understand. There are many examples (and pictures) of specific materials used in Montessori education. It provides a solid explanation of many of the important principles of Montessori education.

Cons: The book is a little wordy and uses too many previews, summaries, and reviews for my taste. The last chapter contains a section called "Frequently Asked Questions and Concerns about Montessori" that I wish was longer and more in depth.

What I would really like to find is a debate between pro- and anti- Montessori educators. While I really enjoyed this book and learned a lot from it, I came away thinking that Lillard's assessment was too good to be true. If Montessori education is really as wonderful as she (and I) think it is, why is it not more popular?