The Montessori System of Education: An Examination of Characteristic Features Set Forth in Il Metodo Della Pedagogica Scientifica. Bulletin, 1912, No. 17. Whole Number 489

The publication of "Il metodo della pedagogica scientifica," by Dr. Maria Montessori, docent in the University of Rome, giving a full account of the inception and development of the system of education of which she is the author and the simultaneous translation of the work into English and German are events so unusual as to challenge attention. The explanation of this interest is found in the new conception of social life and its regenerative forces which is stirring throughout the world. Among these forces that of education has been exalted by both scientific investigators and sociologists to a supreme position; but the word "education" is used by them in a sense differing somewhat from the formal disciplines which it generally implies, a sense indicated by the qualifying term scientific. The present examination will be limited to methods that differentiate this system from others; in other words, to the methods of promoting functional activity or autoeducation under the essential condition of the liberty of the pupil. This limitation will exclude the emotional disgression, the general discussions, and the critical reflections which make up a large part of the volume and have value for their personal revelations. The passages cited from the original work are taken from the English version, which has been approved by the author. A bibliography is included. [Best copy available has been provided.]