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- AMI International Elementary Teacher Training (6-12) [2022-2024]
AMI International Elementary Teacher Training (6-12) [2022-2024]
| General details | |
|---|---|
| Start date | 22nd of August 2022 |
| End date | 26th of January 2024 | Language | Spanish, English and Russian (depending on demand) |
| Modality | Mixed (virtual, online, face-to-face) |
| Places | 60 |
The Master’s course for AMI Montessori Guide 6 to 12 years is designed for the achievement of a thorough knowledge of the theory and practice of the Montessori principle in Elementary education, with the aim of helping children to develop and adapt to society. The course covers all areas of the curriculum, which in Montessori education are much more numerous than those found in traditional education. These areas encompass philosophy, psychology and the contents of the various areas of knowledge with their materials and activities for teaching-learning. The course’s methodology includes theoretical classes, practical classes with the materials, observations and teaching practice in Montessori schools.
The proposed course format includes the Foundation course for the 3 to 6-year-old level. All theory and practice topics related to the 3 to 6-year level will be covered in an integrated way throughout the course. We want to relate all these issues as we work on the issues of the 6 to 12-year-old level. To do this we have the collaboration of AMI 3-6 trainer Eduardo Cuevas. It is not possible to validate these subjects as they are an integral part of the other subjects.
The calendar and schedule for this course is designed for teachers and other professionals who work and want to have the best Montessori training. This course format combines self-learning and flexible hours with live online and on site meetings.
On site meetings are essential in AMI courses to give quality and consistency to learning. These meetings help a lot to create community, encourage collaboration and ensure good supervision in practice with the materials. The course begins in two on site weeks where the theoretical and practical basis of Montessori and the learning dynamics of the course are established. In these two weeks we will also review the essential knowledge of the stage of 3 to 6 years and will begin the practices with the materials.
There will be a total of four on site modules, three for two weeks and the last for 3 weeks. In the second and third on site modules, most of the hours will be devoted to supervised practice and dynamics for cooperative work. The last module will be for three weeks. The albums and the final master's thesis will have to be handed in and there will be reviews and supervised practice. There will also be final exams and graduation. In these on site weeks the Saturday of the first week will be school.
The other weeks of the course are called “virtual and online fortnight” and they all follow the same structure.
During the fortnight, 12 recorded sessions will be shared so that each student can view them whenever they want and do the corresponding work at the times that suit them best. Each session lasts approximately 70 to 90 minutes and the student will be able to see it as many times as necessary in order to better understand the procedures and topics covered by preparing their personal album.
Please note that session scripts will be provided with basic information but the student will need to make their own description of most of the content. It is recommended that during the fortnight students be able to practice with the materials presented. If students do not have a Montessori environment or materials, they can try to practice with simulations of materials that can be shared. At the end of each fortnight, on the last Thursday afternoon, there will be a live online meeting for the whole group. Between fortnight and fortnight there is at least one week without a course. The goal of this fortnightly organization is to allow job to be done while the course is taking place.
Most supervised practice with materials will be done in the onsite weeks but a few hours will also be counted to do autonomously. Therefore, some recordings and records of these practices must be sent to the trainer.
During these months you will also need to do 3 weeks of observations at a Montessori school and then 4 weeks of practice teaching at a school with an AMI Montessori guide. These observations and practices can be done while the course is taking place.
A student handbook will be provided at the beginning of the course, detailing the course specifications and operation.
Start and End Dates for each Module in the Course
| Year | Fortnight | Dates | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | On site fortnight 1 | 22/08/2022 | 02/09/2022 |
| Virtual and online fortnight 1 | 12/09/2022 | 24/09/2022 | |
| Virtual and online fortnight 2 | 03/10/2022 | 15/10/2022 | |
| QUINCENA VIRTUAL Y EN LÍNEA 3 | 24/10/2022 | 05/11/2022 | |
| Virtual and online fortnight 4 | 14/11/2022 | 26/11/2022 | |
| Virtual and online fortnight 5 | 05/12/2022 | 17/12/2022 | |
| 2023 | Virtual and online fortnight 6 | 02/01/2023 | 14/01/2023 |
| Virtual and online fortnight 7 | 23/01/2023 | 04/02/2023 | |
| Virtual and online fortnight 8 | 13/02/2023 | 25/02/2023 | |
| Virtual and online fortnight 9 | 06/03/2023 | 18/03/2023 | |
| On site fortnight 2 | 10/04/2023 | 21/04/2023 | |
| Virtual and online fortnight 10 | 01/05/2023 | 13/05/2023 | |
| QUINCENA VIRTUAL Y EN LÍNEA 11 | 22/05/2023 | 03/06/2023 | |
| Virtual and online fortnight 12 | 12/06/2023 | 24/06/2023 | |
| Virtual and online fortnight 13 | 03/07/2023 | 15/07/2023 | |
| Virtual and online fortnight 14 | 24/07/2023 | 05/08/2023 | |
| On site fortnight 3 | 21/08/2023 | 01/09/2023 | |
| Virtual and online fortnight 15 | 18/09/2023 | 29/09/2023 | |
| Virtual and online fortnight 16 | 09/10/2023 | 20/10/2023 | |
| Virtual and online fortnight 17 | 30/10/2023 | 10/11/2023 | |
| Virtual and online fortnight 18 | 20/11/2023 | 01/12/2023 | |
| Virtual and online fortnight 19 | 11/12/2023 | 22/12/2023 | |
| 2024 | On site three weeks for exams | 08/01/2024 | 26/01/2024 |
Dates for written examinations
Paper A – Day 08/01/2024
Paper B1 – Day 10/01/2024
Paper B2 – Day 12/01/2024
Dates for oral examinations
Days 19,20,22,23,24 and 25 January 2024 (six days).Graduation date
January 26, 2024
Theory and demonstration of Montessori material
On site sessions – From 8:30 to 11:45 and from 12:45 to 17:30
Online fortnight – Delivering of 12 lessons (recordings) of 1,5 hours for self-viewing and one online and live meeting of 2,5 hours the second Thursday at 18:00 (Paris time zone)
Supervised practice sessions
Each online fortnight has a practice session of 1 or 2 hours (with following and recordings).
In onsite modules during the most of the time.
Discussions / Reading Seminars
On Saturdays for the online and live meetings.
Observation
During 2022-23 academic year. They are compatible with the online lessons.
Practice sessions
During academic year, final part of 2022-23 and the first part of 2023-24.
They are compatible with the online lessons.
Center opening hours for MIRTC students: Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The principal objective of the Master is:
- Acquire the conceptual, emotional and technical capacity to guide the self-development of children in a Montessori environment of 6 – 12 years.
This involves:
- In-depth knowledge of the evolutional psychology of children in accordance with the theory of Dr. Maria Montessori, which concurs with the latest scientific discoveries.
- In-depth knowledge of the Montessori proposal for helping the child’s self-development and simultaneously helping to improve society.
- Personal and emotional preparation for observing the child and reaching out with respect towards his own self-development.
- Understanding and recording of the educational and methodological proposals in all areas of knowledge, in an interdisciplinary manner.
- In-depth knowledge of the materials and prepared environment of the 6 – 12 age group
- Knowing how to adequately present materials and stories in the different areas of the curriculum.
- Knowledge of the organizational and technical skills necessary for the direction of a Montessori environment for the 6 – 12 age group.
- Guide in a Montessori Elementary Education class. In Spain a teaching degree is also required to teach in a school.
- Recognized professional capacity as a teacher of the 6 – 12 age group in Montessori schools throughout the world.
- Administration and assessment of educational projects in all types of businesses related to education.
University degree in the field of Education Science, Pedagogy, Psychology or other related university degrees.It is also possible to take the Master being the holder of other university awards, depending on the personal circumstances of the individual. If the applicant does not hold a university degree and for personal or professional reasons wishes to study for the Master, the possibility exists of obtaining the AMI Montessori diploma for 6 – 12 years but instead of being awarded the Master’s degree, receiving a Certificate of Attendance from the Fundació UdG:Innovació i Formació.
This Master requires a great deal of work and preparation at university level and therefore during the registration process references, an exposition of motivation and a personal interview with the director of the Master will be required, to clarify any doubts.
The theoretical classes offer a general view of the psychology and the development of the child according to the Montessori system with special emphasis on the specific psychological characteristics of children between 6 – 12 years of age. Students consolidate their knowledge of key concepts such as self-construction, plans of development and the human tendencies and practical aspects of the management of a Montessori environment. Theoretical classes, discussions and the educational resources which are offered and used are indispensable for preparing the student for respectful communication with children, the adequate preparation of the prepared environment and the guidance and protection of the child in the process of self-construction.
At this age, children need a broad curriculum with a global vision of the interconnection among all the elements of the universe. The Montessori program which is offered to children of this age is cosmic education, in which the different areas of knowledge are presented in an interdisciplinary manner (Geography, Biology, History, Geometry, Music and Art). The lessons which constitute the essence of Montessori Elementary education are presented: the five Great Stories (or Great Lessons) and the key lessons. Students learn to appeal to the imagination of the child, and open up his ever more reasoning mind through a combination of stimulating stories, practical materials and autodidactic activities designed to encourage the students to explore all sciences and knowledge.
The greater part of the course is dedicated to the in-depth knowledge of the concepts included in the activities and materials which are offered to children of 6 – 12 years about all these areas of knowledge. Demonstrations will be given of the techniques of the use and presentation of the stories and materials in all the academic disciplines. The aim is for the student to keep a good record of them and practice well in the prepared environment while creating personal albums which are sufficiently complete, understandable and significant for future use at professional level.
Students should read, analyze and discuss different lectures by Dr. Montessori and about the development of the child. During the course, readings and debates will be proposed on observations, academic contents and relevant aspects of educational practice.
Students also work on the knowledge and preparation of a complete prepared indoor environment and the management of the outdoor environment, such as excursions and relations with the community. There are certain specific materials which should be prepared and known in depth as requirements of the course. Likewise, each student should ensure that he obtains a set of Montessori posters as necessary, basic material for his future professional activity. These posters can be obtained on line from the AMI web (AMI digital).
– Time for taking notes during demonstrations and theoretical classes.
Students must attend and actively participate in all Montessori pedagogy lessons and hands-on demonstrations with the materials.
Face-to-face lessons:
Some of these lessons will be in person, with the requirement of 90% attendance to be able to access the exams and then obtain the degree. The lessons take place in a specially prepared classroom with all the necessary infrastructure to enable working individually and in a group (cameras, projector, screen, audio system for translations and support for computers). Attendance at these classes (minimum 90%) is indispensable for taking the written and oral examinations.
Virtual and online classes:
Within each "Virtual and online fortnight" the student will have available the links to all the lessons on the Moodle platform. They will be lessons equivalent to 12 sessions of the course lasting approximately 70 to 90 minutes each. The student will have to visualize these lessons and take annotations to fill the handout of each lesson with content that will also be found on the Moodle platform. This task will be done as autonomous work and the student will be able to choose the schedule that suits him best but within the same fortnight. During the week after the fortnight it is necessary to upload the documents prepared to the Moodle platform to be reviewed. It is necessary to foresee the dedication time that is needed to be able to view the recording, take annotations, include images and edit when establishing a sustainable schedule in the personal organization itself. On the second Thursday, at the end of each fortnight, there will be an online meeting which must be attended live via telematics with the zoom platform.
– Supervised practice
The supervised practices are mostly carried out in the face-to-face part of the course, so that students can practice with the materials and carry out the activities worked on at a theoretical level. This is where skills and experience are acquired, working with Montessori materials in a Montessori model classroom. It is the best moment to explore and apply concepts learned during demonstrations and theoretical classes and to work in close collaboration with other students under the supervision of qualified and certified AMI personnel. Students work with each other, often taking on the role of the child, to perfect their technique and get to know the materials in greater depth. Members of the teaching staff, certified by the AMI, are available to answer questions and offer suggestions so that students can gain the maximum benefit from this practical experience.
The Montessori model classroom where these supervised practical classes are carried out is fully equipped with Montessori equipment and materials Where possible, extra hours of practice are recommended, and therefore the educational center provides access to the model classroom for extra hours and also on Saturdays.
It is considered that students will also do a few hours of practice with materials outside of the face-to-face sessions. Students will be required to submit evidence of some of these practices in the form of recordings and records in order to facilitate follow-up and counseling. It is advisable to have a Montessori environment available to practice and in its absence get some materials or simulations of them.
– Observation and practice in Montessori schools
Observation and teaching practice are two essential elements of the course and allow the students to carry on their studies of the child’s development in Montessori schools with AMI guides. During observation the students witness the interaction of the children with the materials and amongst themselves, while in teaching practice they give lessons to the children in real Montessori classes, also with the supervision of experienced, AMI certified guides.
– Guidance, monitoring and personal assessment
A tutorial system is organized with weekly tasks, revision and personal assessment to help each student individually so that he can satisfactorily complete his training and evaluation process.
– Final Master’s Thesis
The Final Master’s Thesis consists of a composite assignment covering the whole course in the form of a report accompanied by the 9 final albums and the materials worked on. In part of the report the most important characteristics of the Montessori approach will be set out, and the work in each area will be described on an interdisciplinary basis interacting with the other areas in the context of cosmic education. Part of the said work will consist of a description of the student’s own personal transformation which will be worked on in light of the adult model proposed by Maria Montessori. The assignment will include a practical section, applying the Montessori principles in a context which is real and significant for the student. This Final Master’s Thesis is indispensable for obtaining the title of Master from the University of Girona and it will be assessed once the other assignments have been passed by the AMI. The final assignment may be prepared in group and it will be possible to end with a public exhibition.
The students’ work is assessed continually throughout the course. Students receive constant advice and help through personal contact with the teaching staff and communication mainly through the Moodle platform. Assignments are regularly revised, comeback is offered and details are recorded for assessment.
During the supervised practical work, which is carried out independently by the student, the teaching staff will observe how the student works with the materials, and is available to offer additional help if necessary. During the course, individual tutorials with students are organized to ensure the greatest possible degree of communication and collaboration. The staff help the student to be organized and offer useful and constructive opinions so that students can improve their efficiency, achieve their learning objectives and maintain a good level throughout the course.
– Final assessment
For the final assessment of the different subjects, firstly the completion of all course requisites will be evaluated, such as assistance at 90% of lessons and supervised practice sessions, handing in of all work, albums, materials and the correct completion of observation and practical classes. On a second level, written and oral examinations will be assessed.
The written exam consists of two parts and takes place on three different days, in sessions of three hours each day. Students can choose the questions they want to answer from several options. The first day, the questions are about Montessori theory, while the second day and third day are about practical aspects of the curriculum areas. During the whole course, students carry out activities and do written exercises which serve as guidance for the written examination and the staff offer advice on where to concentrate their efforts. The oral examinations take place at the end of the course before an examining tribunal presided over by an external examiner nominated by the AMI.
The oral examinations are carried out on an individual basis and the student presents a lesson for each area. The lessons to be presented are decided by drawing lots and the students have a few minutes to prepare their lesson before the examination begins. At the end of the presentation, the examiner and the student have a conversation about the lesson, the materials used and the relation to the child’s development and the fundamental principles of the Montessori theory. The oral examination consists of three sessions of approximately one hour each, and in each session the student presents the lessons which correspond to two areas.
Once the examinations and the assessment of the other requirements have been completed, the official AMI assessment committee decides if the student is qualified or not to receive the official AMI diploma. When all the subjects have been approved, the Final Master’s Thesis will be assessed, this being essential for receiving the title of Master from the University. This assignment may be completed in group. The Final Master’s Thesis consists of a composite assignment covering the whole course in the form of a report accompanied by the nine final albums and the materials worked on.
The final day of the course is Graduation Day. In this ceremony students will receive the AMI Montessori Guide 6 – 12 years Diploma, and the AMI Montessori Guide 6 – 12 years Master’s degree from the University of Girona.
In this ceremony there may be students who receive the AMI Diploma but not the Master’s degree if they did not have an approved University qualification or if their Master’s course final assessment has not been submitted or approved.
Students who have not completed the requirements to obtain the AMI diploma will have a maximum of one year to complete them.
The three-summer Elementary course is delivered at the Montessori-Palau International Research and Training Center (MIRTC), located at Montessori Palau Girona, which makes all its facilities and services available to the center. All lectures, demonstrations, supervised practice and other activities related to the course take place at the training center.
Classrooms:
Students have a model Montessori classroom fully equipped with Montessori materials for their exclusive use. The classroom for theory lectures and lessons is equipped with a camera and projector, as wells as all the necessary infrastructure to work with comfort and efficiency. There are other spaces for breaks, personal work and lockers for personal belongings.
Meals:
In adjoining classrooms there are designed spaces for breakfast and snacks. The school has its own kitchen and a large lunch room, with daily lunch service.
Other facilities:
The school grounds include a forest, gardens, a farm, a gym and all kinds of facilities that can be used for training activities.
Access and parking:
Free underground parking is available for all students at the center’s site. Every 15 minutes there is a public bus service to and from downtown Girona.
Trainers: Dani Cañigueral, Eduardo Cuevas
Other teachers: Gladis Routier, Aleksander Modekin
Administrative staff: Ariadna Cahisa (MIRTC), Anna Maria Cerdà (Fundación Universidad de Girona)
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