Noise-free Ambience in Montessori Method of Learning
Significance of Ambience in an Educational Institute
Learning being a subtle process that requires a serene and viable atmosphere, schools in the modern age are seeking ways to ensure fundamental factors in classroom to be favorable for smooth exchange of ideas. Noise plays a vital role in impacting the teaching and learning processes in every institute. As with any setting, educational institutions, when maintained in a low-noise state, enable users to work to their maximum potential. In Montessori Method of education, lowering the noise in classrooms has considerably increased the efficiency of students as well as teachers.
Changes Needed In Montessori Schools to Lower Noise
For creating a quieter and calmer classroom, certain changes are required in the children’s behavior, the teachers’ attitude, and the school environment. The following are the specific environmental changes to be achieved, in order to reduce noise and improve overall atmosphere:
People’s Proximity
By maintaining close proximity between children and the teacher, it will be possible to avoid talking in high volume. If students are able to communicate in low voice and soft manner, the ambience of the class room can be considerably improved. Speaking in quiet way that assures the conversation between two people is not audible to others. It also ensures noiseless and calm atmosphere that is conducive for learning.
Proper Space Arrangement
Children aged up to 7 generally tend to stick to a pattern. They have a propensity toward orderly behavior. It is better to let them have comfortable place for carrying out their physical activities and boisterous processes, and calmer places for learning other things that need quiet and attention.
Materials Used
The study materials as well as play things used by the children need to be placed in such a way that they are easily accessible to them. These must be in the reach of the students without chance of making lot of noise. Children must also be taught to avoid noises such as slamming the doors, handling things in cupboards or drawers without banging. They have to master the art of performing their everyday activities in silence – they will love it. Allow children to learn to do things gracefully and without making unwanted sound.
Scheduling Activities Properly
Similar to sense of order and pattern, arranging activities in a routine and convenient manner helps children in improving confidence and concentration. A variety of activities must be taught and children must be encouraged to participate in diverse processes, by fixing sufficient and comfortable time period for each activity.
It is better to arrange time duration for each module of learning according to its importance and order to ensure children’s enthusiastic participation. Setting time schedule for each subject also enables children to perform better, as they will not be distracted with other activities in that stipulated time.
Teachers’ Attitude
Teachers in schools following Montessori Method need to be educated in conducting their classes in silence or with the optimal overall noise level. They must be trained no to indulge in open chastising of students. It pays to treat children with due love and caring rather than in harsh and rude manner.
Conclusion
A silent and noise-free atmosphere, while good for learning process, cannot be enforced. It is not by threatening or coercing that a child learns culture and co-existence. It is through empathizing and offering an honorable environment that a child excels in all learning activates.