Date:03/04/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/04/03/stories/2006040316240500.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Montessori system should reach the needy: judge

Staff Reporter

Other systems failed to recognise importance of child: Prabha Sridevan

CHENNAI: "I hope all Corporation schools of Tamil Nadu get the benefit of the Montessori system of education," said Madras High Court judge, Prabha Sridevan, at the valedictory of the Centre for Montessori Training here on Saturday.

The centre organised presentation of diplomas to mark the completion of the course for current batch of trainers. Referring to the presentations made by trainers, she said, "If the system can bring about such a metamorphosis in homes, it should probably reach those students who need it most."

Vishnupriya, one of the trainers, made a presentation on how the teaching methodologies of the system brought about a change in children of Nagapattinam. Yamini Narayanan, who specialised in training special children, spoke on the positive consequences of the system. Nithyakalyani, teacher at the Corporation Primary School in Mylapore, presented a film showing parents speaking on the positive changes. Ms. Justice Sridevan said other systems of education failed to recognise the importance of the child. B.V.A. Rao, chairman of the Indian Montessori Centre, and Uma Shanker, director of the Centre for Montessori Training, were present.