#171 "All Work Is Noble," Montessori, and Kids & Work — Matt Bateman on starting growing up with the internet, digital and industrial literacy, studying philosophy and learning how to teach, starting the Guidepost school network, how to train teachers, how children learn and work, values in education, agency, and writing his new book
Mar 25, 2024
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Matt Bateman discusses his journey from academia to Montessori education, emphasizing the nobility of all work and the importance of agency in education. He explores kids and technology, values in education, and the hidden value systems in schools. Reflecting on his experiences, he offers advice for parents and challenges traditional educational approaches.
Traditional schooling narratives can mislead individuals into viewing work as effortless, hindering their preparedness for real challenges.
Fostering children's agency from a young age through meaningful tasks cultivates important skills and positive work attitudes.
Appreciating all forms of work as noble and valuable is crucial, advocating for a reevaluation of societal perceptions and promoting purposeful labor.
Deep dives
Challenging the Traditional Notions of Work Ethic and Effort
The discussion delves into the impact of early upbringing and educational experiences on individuals' perceptions of work ethic and effort. It explores how traditional schooling narratives often portray work as easy and not requiring much effort, leading to challenges when individuals face real-world obstacles that require effort and persistence.
Empowering Children through Real Work and Agency
The conversation highlights the significance of providing children with real opportunities for meaningful work and fostering their agency from a young age. By creating environments that allow children to choose tasks, concentrate, and persist, they naturally develop important skills and a positive relationship with work. The Montessori approach is emphasized for its focus on fostering intrinsic motivation and self-esteem through engaging in real tasks.
Redefining the Value of All Forms of Work and Learning
The dialogue challenges societal norms that prioritize certain professions over others, advocating for a broader understanding and appreciation of all forms of work. It emphasizes the dignity and value in diverse types of labor, whether paid or unpaid, and underscores the importance of finding meaning and purpose in one's work. The exchange also touches on the necessity of reevaluating education and parenting approaches to support children's holistic development and facilitate genuine learning experiences.
History of Literacy and Education
The history of literacy and education is traced from ancient times to the present day. It explains how schooling infrastructure developed around literacy and moral education. Initially, intense literacy education selected morally elevating texts for students. The evolution into modern times shifted focus to technical skills alongside literacy. There is a modern skepticism surrounding education's role in shaping values, leading to a debate on the purpose of education.
Values in Education and School Choices
Values in education are discussed, highlighting the importance of creating good adults through educational systems. The debate revolves around traditional values-centric approaches versus newer methods like Montessori, focusing on agency and freedom for students. The discussion delves into questioning the underlying beliefs and outcomes of different educational paths, emphasizing the need for conscious decisions around education and values instilled.
Matt Bateman has a PhD in philosophy. He has abandoned the academic career, to pursue education in the Montessori system. A dad of three, he is passionate about educating children. Having worked a lot with training the teachers in the Montessori approach, he has now taken a step back to focus on writing his book.