To the Editor,
Re: Students learn their own way, May 21.
As an educator, it was with delight and joy that I read the article on self-regulated learning — delight for the children who are being allowed to learn at their own pace on their own terms, and joy for the teachers who are discovering the huge benefits of self-regulated learning.
However, I would like to clarify one thing. Self-regulated learning is not new.
Many years ago, Maria Montessori observed this capability in children and developed an education system to support it.
Montessori education has always recognized children learn in different ways, and accommodates all learning styles. Students are also free to learn at their own pace, each advancing through the curriculum as they are ready, guided by the teacher and an individualized learning plan. There are no desks and students are not expected to keep still.
Montessori educators have been facilitating self-regulated learning for more than 70 years. It is neither antiquated nor a product of the 1970s.
I invite any teachers or parents interested in learning more about how self-regulated learning environments work, to give us a call and come observe a classroom.
Cynthia Dyer
vice-principal
Discover
Montessori School
