Modern Surgical Pedagogy Nspired by Montessori Method

1. Opinion Article
Montessori is a scientifically based education approach to allow the child’s optimal development (intellectual, physical, emotional and social). It was developed by Italian physician Maria Montessori (1870-1952) [1]. Montessori education is based on the belief that all young children are unique individuals with an immense potential and the teacher needs to guide each child through the learning process by using environment that fit their specific needs. The Montessori method is based on several principals: learning from peers (imitation models); free choice; teacher guidance; order in the environment; movement and cognition, age mix etc [1]. Maria Montessori did not fully develop her ideas for the education of teenagers, but developing a Montessori education for an older age has a potential to make a positive contribution [2]. Moreover, the Montessori method is now being adapted for use with dementia patients, with the aim of improving functioning in activities of daily living, such as feeding, and in cognition [3]. These observations can suggest that the Montessori method could be applied to all learning stages of life.There are very few methodologically robust evaluations for this pedagogic method but it seems to benefit self-confidence, creativity, intrinsic motivation, adaptability, academic skills, affect development etc. These are all required qualities we strive to achieve as a surgeon.