Montessori + NGSS*
3D Learning
The 5 NGSS innovations that drive enhanced instruction and deep learning parallel many Montessori principles. They are built on nuanced understanding of the learner, and concern for the prepared environment. In addition, like Montessori, with NGSS the teacher is not the source of knowledge or the active agent; it is the student who does the work and the teacher facilitates and directs learning.
Phenomena, observable events that generate interest, are similar to Montessori's idea of sparking the imagination. In NGSS phenomena drive instruction.
Engineering Design
Even though STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and math, it is difficult to find curriculum that integrates all of these areas well. And often engineering and technology are the ones left out from science education in the early years.
NGSS addresses this gap by integrating engineering design, practices and applications.
For teachers, the similarities and settle differences are clearly laid out in NGSS, and many connections are made to support teachers in facilitating authentic and meaningful learning experiences.
Real World Connections
The aim of Montessori education is to aid life, and the aim of NGSS is to prepare students for a life that requires critical thinking of scientific issues. These goals are best accomplished with a curriculum that puts the learner in the center. The student's prior knowledge, interests and culture must be applied to in order to foster deep learning.
It is the key to an equitable education that makes science literacy accessible to every child regardless of their background and abilities.
And it is the key to empowering future citizens with the tools and knowledge to care for themselves, their societies and the world.
Formative Assessments
NGSS encourages formative assessment to modify instruction and lessons during the learning process. Evaluation is seen as a means to improve student learning. Of course summative assessment is also used to test what students have learned, but especially for the early years the more important factor is the teachers ability to modify the process to suit real time learning.
The teacher uses formative assessments to organically modify and/or extend activities in order to aid student learning. This is similar to Montessori concepts such as following the child by observing and monitoring without interrupting, reintroducing lessons/concepts at a later time, and tapping into student sensitivities.
Language Arts & Math
In Montessori classrooms language is the intellectual link between the tangible and intangible curricula. Effective communication and precise language is at the heart of all content areas. Similarly, NGSS concepts and practices rely on precise language and the progressive development of rich argumentation and discourse.
Although the connection between math and science seems evident it can be difficult, especially in the early years, to provide learning experiences that make authentic use of mathematical concepts. NGSS is aligned with the Common Core and therefore it makes it much easier to infuse relevant math concepts and skills into STEM education.
* NGSS is a registered trademark of Achieve. Neither Achieve nor the lead states and partners that developed the Next Generation Science Standards were involved in the production of this product, and do not endorse it.