Teachers from humanities colleges are studying the Montessori method

The Eurasia Foundation of Central Asia continues to implement the social project "Growing together!" in the field of pre-school education with the support of ERSAI Caspian Contractor LLC. The fifth phase of the project involves the dissemination of knowledge on innovative methods in pre-school education in the Mangystau region. 

On August 14-19, 2017 in Aktau, the first practical training, out of five, on the methodology of "Montessori" (VOC, Sensory) was held for the teaching staff of vocational education institutions in the specialty "Pre-school education". In particular, teachers of humanitarian colleges of Aktau, Zhanaozen, Fort Shevchenko and Beineu village were invited to participate in the training.

Training is held by Montessori trainers from kindergartens of Kuryk village (Aigolek, Western, Zhanshuak) – teachers that employ the methodology since 2014 and have passed advanced courses of coaching. According to the organizers, it will contribute to the further building capacity of local experts.

The training took place for 6 days on the basis of Mangystau humanities College in the city of Aktau. The training was attended by 23 teachers of professional education institutions of Aktau, Zhanaozen, Beyneu village. The first day was devoted to the theory of Montessori and the study of the Montessori circle. Next, teachers studied the Montessori materials zones "Practical Life Exercise" and "Sensory" and practiced their use. On the sixth day, College teachers passed the exam, and then passed the ceremony of awarding certificates.

It is worth noting the great interest of College teachers in the Montessori method. Already in September 2017, they will start teaching elements of Montessori to students of their colleges.

"Today, the first out of five practical trainings on Montessori methodology has ended. All my hopes for this training came true. We have studied the area of "Practical Life Exercise" and "Sensory". Most of all I liked to have a lot of practice. We studied the materials and practiced every day, engaged independently and in pairs, explained and helped each other... I think we are imbued with this knowledge. We are looking forward to the remaining four trainings. I also want to thank the coaches and organizers of this event, thank you for your patience, for sharing your experience and knowledge. I, in turn, will share that knowledge with my students," - says the participant of the training Marjane Taumarunui, teacher, Mangystau humanities College. 

Also, ERSAI Caspian Contractor LLC has allocated funds for the equipment of the Montessori training room in one of the colleges of the region. This office will be an innovative space for students to practice the Montessori method. A full-fledged Montessori environment with five zones (PLE, sensory, language, space education and mathematics) will be created here. Such an office will allow the College to graduate students who have the idea and practical skills in the Montessori method, which is one of the most effective technologies for the development of children in the preschool period.  

 The training was held in the framework of the "Memorandum of understanding and cooperation between the akimat of Mangistau region, the Department of Education of Mangistau region and EFCA on the implementation of social projects in Mangistau region " on 24 May, 2017.