The Montessori Method: The Origins of an Educational Innovation: Including an Abridged and Annotated Edition of Maria Montessori's The Montessori Meth [Paperback]

An essential resource for all students and scholars of early childhood education, this book offers a rich array of material about Maria Montessori and the Montessori Method. Distinguished education scholar Gerald Gutek begins with an in-depth biography of Montessori, exploring how a determined young woman overcame the obstacles that blocked her educational and career opportunities in Italy during the late Victorian age. The author then analyzes the sources and influences that shaped the Montessori philosophy of education. After laying the foundation for Montessori's development, Gutek presents an annotated and abridged edition ofThe Montessori Method(1912), the seminal work that introduced her educational innovations to a U.S. audience. The book concludes with key historical documents, including disciple Anne E. George's notes on the Montessori lectures and William H. Kilpatrick's critique of the Montessori method. Preserving the historical context of Montessori's contribution, Gutek also shows the continuing relevance of her thought to educational reform in the twenty-first century.Gerald Lee Gutekis professor emeritus at Loyola University. In 1989, he was the Loyola University of Chicago Outstanding Faculty member. Among his books areA History of the Western Educational Experience(1995),Philosophical and Ideological Perspectives on Education(1997),American Education 19452000: A History and Commentary(2000), andHistorical and Philosophical Foundations of Education: A Biographical Introduction(2000).An outstanding contribution. Gutek has given us a treasure trove of information and insights to be mined over and over again.The Montessori Methodis required reading for the college student who wants to find out more about this important figure in twentieth-century education reform, as well as for the scholar seeking original sources for Montessori research. James C. Moses, Lewis University

Chapter 1 Editor's Note