Workshop on Montessori philosophy for teachers concludes

Rawalpindi

Roots Continuous Professional Development Department (RCPDD) held a comprehensive 15 days short course on Montessori Philosophy and Pedagogy (MPPC) at Roots 93, Harley Street Campus, Rawalpindi. The main aim of this workshop was to enlighten the participants about early childhood education through effective Montessori pedagogies and practices.

The workshop commenced on 30th May, 2016 and was attended by highly motivated and enthusiastic principals, teachers, house wives, students, young mothers & especially rural teachers from the suburbs of Rawalpindi came all the way to educate themselves on the early years child education. The Theme of the workshop was “Only trained & qualified Teachers can breed quality pupils”.

There is a lot of awareness among the young women aspiring to become teachers to equip themselves with the requisite tools to enter the noble profession of teaching. This year, the demand was very high as the capacity was limited to 100 seats. Seeing the enthusiasm among the young women RCPDD will formulate more courses this year to cater to the needs of the young aspiring teachers.

The participants were welcomed by the founder and chairperson, RSS, Riffat Mushtaq, who laid the foundation of the First complete Montessori school in the twin cities on 10th April 1988. Being Montessorian she derives her inspiration from Dr. Maria Montessori the Founder of Montessori Method Education. Roots brought awareness in the twin cities on the scientific method of Education and as a result Montessori schools have grown in large numbers as a Montessori school structure in such a way that a child learns everything without knowing he is learning.

This year 100 candidates were registered for the course. On the first day of workshop, teachers were enlightened by the philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori. The workshop was aimed to share Montessori curriculum and effective and innovative teaching practices.

The training included: in-depth investigation of the Montessori philosophy and materials, exercises of practical life, education of the senses, literacy skills, mathematics, cultural subjects, art and craft, music and movement, drama, Puppetry , ICT training, child development, observation and assessment, childcare and health, safety, nutrition and special needs. Another new addition to the course content was the 15 day hand on training on the computer systems to enable the teachers to equipped themselves with the learning tool of the 21st century i.e. ICT skills.

Each participant was trained and equipped with hands on experiences of the entire Montessori methodology.

Asifa Shahid, Qualifications Manager, RIMP, concluded the 15 days course by inspiring the young and energetic candidates to ensure learning and enjoyable experience for young children. She thanked all the Montessori Branch Heads for their overwhelming support in organizing the course workshop and applauded the master trainers for their highly professional and informative presentations.

On the last day certificates were awarded to the participants. The Lead Montessori Head Asifa Shahid along with the Head and Deputy Head of DQCA Samina Riazand Shumaila Saleem congratulated the candidates on the successful completion of the Montessori Pedagogy Course and commended them on their enthusiastic participation.

Riffat Mushtaq in a message said, “All children are intrinsically motivated to learn provided they are introduced to the right type of activity at the right developmental stage”.