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Media Realease

FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION: Thursday, 10 May 2018 

MAKING AUSTRALIA THE WORLD LEADER IN EDUCATION INNOVATION 

A RESPONSE TO GONSKI 2.0

Montessori Australia supports Gonski’s recommendation to place the learning growth of each student at the centre of our education model. 

We view transformation of the current education model as an urgent priority and support evidence-based changes that provide students with the capabilities to flourish in the knowledge economy. Any true innovation in education requires a model that understands how the brain develops, not a model based on factory efficiency that constrains students, teachers and school leaders.

“Gonski’s initiation of this discussion places Australia as a potential leader in what will inevitably be a worldwide education paradigm shift - a true innovation in education. Thus, we fully support Gonski’s recommendation to prioritise learning growth rather than specified learning outcomes based on age and grade”, Ms Christine Harrison, President of Montessori Australia said.

Transformation of the current education model needs to be an urgent discussion to be had globally. Given the accelerating rate of change due to the proliferation of digital technologies and the creative destruction of not only jobs but industries, teachers can no longer be constrained by a model designed for a past economy where change occurred more incrementally. 

“Segregating children by grades and dividing each day into subject blocks requires each classroom to be teacher-directed. But how do teacher-directed classrooms organically provide students with opportunities to practice problem-solving, interactive and social skills, and critical and creative thinking?” Ms Harrison said.

“Partnering with students so they feel more ownership of their education fosters a lifelong love of learning. Individualised learning based on the student’s developmental level and the interests of the student fosters engagement and self-regulated learning. Developing these capacities is essential to ensure Australia will be a leader in the knowledge economy”, said Ms Harrison “and Montessori education is one example of a pedagogy that offers these teaching and learning opportunities.”

Media Contacts:

Montessori Australia, National Office, 02 9986 2282, [email protected]