I-Search Worksheet

What do you want to write about?

-I am choosing to write my i-search paper on the Montessori philosophy.

What do you want to find out about your topic?

-I want to know more about how the philosophy was developed, and what some of the practices look like. I also want to learn more about the benefits of Montessori, and how it differs from traditional learning.

What are your questions about the topic?

1. How was Montessori developed?

2. What are the pros and cons of Montessori?

3. How does Montessori differ so much from traditional public schooling?

How does this topic connect to your life?

-This topic connects to my life because the preschool that I work at practices alternative learning, and I’d like to continue to teach in an elementary that practices similar or Montessori . I am passionate about education in general, and I want to find out which teaching path I would like to follow.

Give three reasons you like the topic

1. I like this topic because I believe that the little I know about Montessori seems like a phenomenal way to teach our children.

2. Clearly, public education has its’ flaws. I like the idea of any alternative form of education.

3. I like this topic because it will hopefully challenge me to evaluate my current style of teaching, and figure out what I can do better within my classroom.

Give three ways your life might change if you answer your questions

1. I would look at my everyday teachings.

2. I might decide that Montessori is not the style of learning that I want to support.

3. Montessori education is a part of the larger education picture, and I may be able to see issues more clearly.