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Re:What Makes Finnish Kids So Smart? by Alex3917 on Saturday July 26, 2008 @01:55PM (#257656)
That's the problem with Montessori. It's unclear what they actually believe. If you go through the mainstream literature on various educational theories, the proponents of each theory make a clear case about what this method does for children and why it is better than other methods, with some set of empirical results. With Montessori if you want access to their materials then you have to pay.[1] It's like the Scientology of the education world.

[1] With the exception of the original books from 90+ years ago.

Re:What Makes Finnish Kids So Smart? by dgabriel on Saturday July 26, 2008 @05:41PM (#257782)
I think you may be getting Montessori mixed up with Waldorf. Information on the montessori method is widely available (start here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montessori, google for more). My son goes to a public Montessori school, and if I want access to the materials, I just ask the teacher. Everything is open, and parents (including prospective parents) are very much encouraged to observe the classroom.

Waldorf is kind of weird and secretive and expensive, and based on suspect and outdated science. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waldorf_education

Re:What Makes Finnish Kids So Smart? by Alex3917 on Saturday July 26, 2008 @06:39PM (#257817)
No I meant Montessori. The Wikipedia article and the information on montessori.org provide a short description and a few example activities, but neither contain anywhere near enough insight/information to make a rational evaluation of the program. So far as I can tell you pretty much have to accept everything on faith.
Re:What Makes Finnish Kids So Smart? by dgabriel on Saturday July 26, 2008 @06:51PM (#257827)
Seriously, as much info about Montessori as you want is out there, and unless the school you're dealing with is a little shady, you should be able to walk in & request anything without paying tuition. You can also find a lot more than those two sites on the internet.