Has anybody, parent or student, had experience with Montessori Education?

Question

What were/are your impressions of this kind of education? Did you find any problems? What were your success stories?

This is an information seeking question, not an opinion or judgement.

Answer 1

They are so strict. Your childhood and teenage years are suppose to be the carefree years of your life.

Answer 2

Yes, when I was 6 to 10-11.

I learned how to live close to nature and how to treat it properly, we planted vegetables and watch them grow, we learned about geometry outdoor in fields etc

It was a really practice (meant as 'experience') learning.

Answer 3

I went to a Montessori place before I went to Preschool. It was excellent :)

Answer 4

"Has anybody....had experience with Montessori Education?"

I started my Montessori career when I was a few days old.  My parents were Montessori teachers at a school and the parents urged the board members to allow my brother and I to be a part of the classroom so children could help take care of us.

I have also worked in Montessori schools and write a blog about Montessori.  (See my sources page).  I am currently getting ready to go to China to teach in a Montessori school there.

"What were/are your impressions of this kind of education?"  If done properly, it's ideal.  I have taught other forms of education and am not a fan of them.  I don't see the children having the same discovering moments that they get in Montessori.  I don't see them learning as much or enjoying the learning as much.

"Did you find any problems?"  There seem to be 3 reasons for problems:

1)  Montessori is not carried out well all the time.  Be sure to visit the school to see what the school is like.  Last thing you want is to be paying for a Montessori education and end up having no materials and the students only do worksheets all day and read from textbooks.

2)  Parents not on board with the Montessori Philosophy.  Many parents send their children to Montessori expecting certain things that are contrary to Montessori principles.

3)  Just "not a good match."  You might have the perfect teacher, the perfect parents, and the perfect child all in a classroom full of well stocked Montessori materials and for whatever reason, it just is not working as a match.

"What were your success stories?"  From a teacher's perspective, too many to list.  As a former Montessori student, I love learning, have creative ways of solving problems, and loved the creativity my Montessori education helped me develop.  

Matt