PSYCHOLOGY WITHIN MONTESSORI PEDAGOGY –THEORY AND PRACTICE

Abstract

In this paper titled Psychology within Montessori pedagogy – theory and practice the authors elaborate a current topic of access to upbringing and education, a theme that encompasses both psychology and pedagogy. Based on her experience as an assistant professor on the subject Educational  anthropology and her experience  as a pedagogue at a private preschool, which follows a Montessori approach, author Topic provides a theoretical approach to upbringing and education in the educational sector in the city of Mostar. Despite it being a review of a single city, the patterns and behaviors observed can be found in any other place or a city.

By nurturing an individual approach to each child and taking into account their needs, children are encouraged to study by themselves, therefore allowing and supporting them to develop self confidence and self actualization. The example given is taken from a kindergarten provides an overview of practices which encourage the child towards healthy growth and development into a confident young people who will be able to form and make good choices in life.

Through practical psychology, author Colak, provides us with an answer to the question why is all that important. Through her experiences in work with young people who suffer from consequences of, among other things, an inadequate approach to upbringing and education in their younger age.  

And to answer why this is important, psychology might have some cues. Author Čolak  from her work experience with young people at Psychiatry Clinic in Mostar considers consequences that (according to literature, theory and practice) have some causes in upbringing approach at an earlier age and which behaviors were/are reinforced through evaluation systems and early messages from adults. Working with young people, author Čolak presents case study of female student with extremely low self-esteem and extremely high perfectionism in cognitive-behavioral therapy process. We discuss how and why those are so immensely pathologically connected. Some risk factors (following bio-psycho-social model of illness/wellness) are connected with psychological and social context. Thus, by educating parents and educators so we may have chance to improve mental health of children and later adults. 

As a conclusion, co-operation and multidisciplinary approach is suggested. Education, psychotherapy and prevention have much in common. Montessori approach is not the only one which deals with it, but in its foundations holds the bases to help us to react in time, both as a profession and as humans too.