Polarization of attention
Polarization of attention (also: Montessori phenomenon ) is a term from pedagogy that was introduced by Maria Montessori . It shows itself through the child's forgotten, playful, exploratory activity with didactic materials, colors and shapes, etc.
description
According to Montessori, a child should not be disturbed in such a state, since important processes of learning take place. Children rearrange their cognitive structure in the phase of polarization of attention: after they have collected impressions over longer phases that were stored in an unstructured manner, a structure of these impressions is formed.
For example, a child can perceive bodies of different sizes in his environment. Working with dimensional materials can lead the child to perceive size as a property of bodies.
A polarization of attention can be observed, for example, in children who, completely absorbed in what they are doing, stick building blocks with simple geometric shapes (triangle, circle, square, etc.) through suitable holes in the lid of a play box or put water from a vessel into pour another one. Every child is polarized on the area they are most interested in and can isolate themselves completely from their environment for a surprisingly long time. Montessori assumes that there are sensitive phases in the development of a child in which the child is particularly interested in certain areas. A comparable immersion can also be found in adults, especially when reading books, solving abstract problems (mathematics, chess), but also in gardening, manual and general design activities.
According to this term, other concepts have developed, such as Kurt Hahn the experiential education , Mihály Csíkszentmihályi the concept of flow and Abraham Maslow with “peak experience”.
Phases of polarization
According to Montessori, the polarization of attention takes place in three phases: the preparation, the phase of great work and the phase of rest.
preparation
The child must first choose one from various possible activities. After the decision has been made, the concentration on this activity increases, which means that the child also binds to this activity.
Phase of great work
The actual polarization occurs in this phase. The child achieves the highest concentration here. This phase can last up to 90 minutes.
Phase of rest
The child detaches himself from his activity and the concentration decreases. It shows an increased interest in the outside world. It may have the need to share its experiences.
Individual evidence
- ↑ P. Oswald, G. Schulz-Benesch (Ed.): Basic ideas of Montessori pedagogy . 21st edition. Herder, Freiburg, Basel, Vienna 2015, ISBN 978-3-451-32117-7 , p. 80