Cincinnati Montessori Secondary Teacher Education Program

Secondary I and II COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Summer 1 courses: Overview, Philosophy, Curriculum Development, Seminar, and Erdkinder
Practicum year: Practicum and Research
Summer 2 courses: Montessori Structure & Organization, and Pedagogy of Place

1. Overview of Montessori Education

June 16-27, 2008; M-F; 1-5:30 pm

• Claudia Mann
• 45 hours

This course encompasses the basic principles and practices throughout the scope and sequence of the elementary curriculum within Montessori classrooms for ages 6-12. These principles will include an introduction to the concepts of sensitive periods and developmental stages, as well as the three modes of learning, the three period lesson, concrete to abstract, isolation of difficulty, point of interest, classification, and nomenclature cards used for early research. Presentations in each content area of Mathematics, Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies will demonstrate how the spiraling curriculum builds upon itself, sequencing into greater detail and focus. Students will have opportunities for hands-on practice with Montessori didactic materials, and be expected to complete individual, paired, or group exercises in math and geometry, grammar, science classification, and timelines for history. Cooperative group presentations will culminate the course.

2. Montessori Philosophy (and Adolescent Development)

June 16-27, 2008; M-F; 8 am-12:30 pm

• Marta Donahoe
• 95 hours

Students in this course will read Montessori’s biography, and discuss current trends and issues in Montessori education, adolescent development, and philosophy specifically as they apply to the education of the adolescent. An overview of adolescent development will emphasize developmental characteristics in the physical, psychological, social and moral/spiritual realms. Students will explore the writings of Montessori and discuss adaptations of these theories in light of current research and best practices. Participants will also be able to participate in experiential exercises in community building, and will travel to Cleveland to visit the Montessori Farm School.

3. Erdkinder

July 28 -July 3, 2008; (includes weekends and overnights)
No classes on July 4-6, 2008

• Mary Wertheimer
• 80 hours

This course is designed to bring the Erdkinder Essay to life by having teachers live for 5 days on a working farm. In the course of this experience they form a strong community through seminars on stewardship and sustainability, shared work projects and activities that illustrate the cycle of life and death. A packing list will be provided upon registration. This is a physically challenging course, however, the ability and tolerance of each participant is respected. EXTRA LAB FEE = $250.00

This is a physically challenging course. However, the ability and tolerance of each participant is respected.

4. Montessori Secondary Curriculum Development

July 7 - 21, 2008; M-F; 8:15 am - 4:15 pm

• Barb Scholtz, Jean Marquard, Steph Bradford
• 75 hours

This course will provide teachers with an overview of the Montessori secondary structure and organization, curriculum development for the adolescent, and a model of the philosophy in action. Participants in this course will develop a sample Montessori plan of study that integrates standards, Montessori philosophy, and site learning.

In this course, the student will understand the basics in:

• creating a Montessori classroom environment with critical and creative thinking
• developing integrated curriculum with impressionistic lessons and culminating experiences
• guiding student-led conferences
• making self-evaluation forms for students
• collaborating on integrated field studies and service projects
• facilitating and debriefing group initiatives
• managing large blocks of instructional time, designing a daily schedule
• teaming with colleagues
• developing student leadership and community building
• culminating experiences/projects

5. Socratic Seminar

June 12-23, 2007; imbedded in methods courses

• Mary Wertheimer
• 30 hours

The Paideia philosophy describes seminar as a mode of teaching that is essential for helping students develop true critical thinking abilities. Participants will learn to routinely utilize the seminar approach to understand "great works” of literature, art, music, historical documents, and other writings in all subject areas. Students practice the process of seminar in the Montessori Philosophy and Methods courses by reading a variety of challenging pieces. They will learn to select appropriate pieces to use in seminar discussions, to organize and orchestrate seminars for success, and to scaffold questions to engage the students as well as actually participate in seminar discussions. Critical and creative thinking will be emphasized.

6. Pedagogy of Place

June 14 – 22, 2008 (includes weekends and overnights)

• Andrew Ramsay
• 120 hours

Pedagogy of Place gives students a chance to experience real field studies within their own disciplines. During this class, teachers will learn to design their own Experiential Courses.
Pedagogy of Place courses that students may choose to participate in may include, but are not limited to:

• New England Literary Tour - $600.00 FEE
• Habitat for Humanity and Study of Appalachian Culture - $350.00 FEE

7. Montessori Structure & Organization

June 18-22, 2007 8:15-4:15

• Barb Scholtz, Jean Marquard, Steph Bradford
• 38 hours

In Structure & Organization participants spend each day of the week focused on one aspect of the structure and organization of a Montessori secondary school. Participants practice leading seminar and developing materials that they will use in their classrooms in the next school year.

8. Research/Independent Study - During Practicum Year

• Xavier University Staff
• 45 hours
• 3 graduate credit hrs

This course will focus on independent study in the form of a research project.

9. Practicum Experience/Internship

Practicum Retreat dates for 08-09

• FALL: Usually in October. Dates T.B.A.
• WINTER: Usually in February on or near President's Day weekend. Dates T.B.A.
  
  
• Marta Donahoe
• 1080* hours - Practicum teaching hours
  • Total program hours - 526
  • 48 hours/2 retreats (included in philosophy course)

Courses from summer 1 are pre-requisites. Participants in the practicum receive three site visits, supervision in coaching, and attend the two weekend practicum retreats.