Ejercicio Option B - 2 · Inglés PAU Castilla y León Extraordinaria 2022

RESEARCH SHOWS BENEFITS OF MONTESSORI EDUCATION

A method of schooling that focuses on personal development rather than exams produces more

mature, creative and socially adept children, scientists have found. Psychologists in the US found that

children at Montessori schools did better than those given a traditional education. Five-year-old

Montessori pupils were better prepared for reading and maths, and 12-year-olds wrote "more creative"

5 essays using more sophisticated sentence structures.

Some of the biggest differences were seen in social skills and behaviour. Montessori children

displayed a greater sense of "justice and fairness", interacted in an "emotionally positive" way, and were

less likely to engage in "rough play" during break times. The schooling system was invented in the early

1900s by Maria Montessori to educate poor children in her native Italy. The method discourages

10 traditional competitive measurements of achievement, such as grades and tests, and instead focuses on the

individual progress and development of each child. Children of different ages share the same classes, and

are encouraged to collaborate and help each other. Special educational materials are used, and there is an

emphasis on "practical life skills".

The researchers, who reported their findings in the journal Science, compared children aged

15 three to 12 at a Montessori school in Milwaukee with those at other schools in the same area. Angeline

Lillard, from the University of Virginia, who co-led the study, said: "We found significant advantages for

the Montessori students. Particularly remarkable are the positive social effects of Montessori education."

Although the Montessori children were not regularly tested or graded, they did just as well in spelling,

punctuation and grammar exams as those given conventional lessons. Older Montessori pupils were more

20 likely to choose "positive assertive responses" when dealing with unpleasant social situations. They also

displayed a "greater sense of community" at school. The scientists concluded: "Montessori education

fosters social and academic skills that are equal or superior to those fostered in other types of schools."

The Montessori method has had its criticism. Some parents believe the classroom environment is

"too free", while others question Montessori teaching priorities, or the fact that children are not assigned

25 homework. (Fragment adapted from The Guardian.)

2) ARE THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS TRUE OR FALSE? INDICATE THE LINES THAT SUPPORT YOUR ANSWER (1 POINT).

1.

Montessori centres on individual progress and development in the classroom.

TRUE

FALSE

2.

There are some downsides to the Montessori method such as the fact there is no schoolwork to be done at home.

TRUE

FALSE