Modern education faces significant challenges, including disrespect, disinterest, and bullying among students. The Montessori method, often misunderstood as overly permissive, contributes to behavioral issues. Teachers like Joël Libert highlight a decline in respect and engagement, with some students viewing school as an obligation. Parental involvement complicates matters, as many parents defend their children without considering the educators’ perspectives. This dynamic allows students to act out with little accountability, making classroom management increasingly difficult.
Challenges in Modern Education
It’s frequently claimed that today’s youth grapple with more obstacles than previous generations. Regardless of the truth behind this assertion, one aspect has undeniably changed: education. Issues such as disrespect, disinterest in learning, and bullying have become prevalent. Teachers and school administrators often find themselves at a loss, particularly when faced with parents who offer unwavering support to their children. This raises an important question: are children truly out of control, or is it a consequence of contemporary educational methods?
The Misinterpretation of Montessori Pedagogy
The Montessori method is a topic of considerable debate. Its fundamental principle is encapsulated in the phrase, “Teach me to do it myself and to think for myself.” Despite its intention to center the child in the learning process, this approach is frequently misinterpreted. Many perceive it as a lenient educational style that grants children total authority. Such a misunderstanding can lead to a decline in behavior among young learners.
Joël Libert, an experienced teacher, has observed this trend throughout his 17-year career across various educational institutions. He notes a worrying deterioration in working conditions, exacerbated by reforms and resource shortages in the education system. Most notably, he points out a growing absence of respect—not only among students but also towards the fundamental purpose of schooling: education itself.
Some students attend school out of obligation rather than desire to learn. They resist adhering to rules and contribute to a negative classroom environment. The underlying issue? These children have been raised with the belief that they are entitled to unrestricted freedom. They have been taught to view any limitation on their freedom as a form of abuse.
Alongside the misinterpretation of educational principles, many parents today worry about losing their children’s affection. Consequently, they hesitate to set boundaries or contradict their kids. In many cases, they rush to defend their children against educators, even when the children are in the wrong. This dynamic complicates matters for schools, particularly when parents are actively involved in school activities.
Libert shares a poignant example: “A girl was disrespectful to a teacher, who addressed her behavior. The girl subsequently reported this to her mother, the president of the parents’ association. The mother took to the parents’ WhatsApp group to voice her displeasure about the teacher’s response. The principal, anxious about the backlash on social media, urged the teacher to apologize to the girl for her remarks.” In such scenarios, children, buoyed by their parents’ backing, wield a significant amount of influence. Ultimately, they often become the most unruly and challenging students to manage.