How Can We Serve Better in the Classroom? The Prepared Environment of Maria Montessori

The reason that children work or study right after they get into the classroom is that they have curiosity. Curiosity and wonder, so evident in the enthusiasm of young children and so much a part of their life, are expressions of the basic human emotion of interest.

Two Stories from KONA Volunteers

KONA volunteering switched from being local to global. People from different countries (Canada, USA, India, etc.) were able to join in the live online storybook readings and discussions. It was a great experience to see people of all ages and backgrounds come together in one screen. We are still doing story maps presentations and story sharing in this way. We can now do volunteering from our home and office through Zoom.

Montessori Education II: The Unimaginable Importance of Young Hands

The most common thing observable in a Montessori classroom is every child working with materials. They are using their hands to move objects, fold clothes and towels, tie shoelaces, and even wash desks. In this way, through work activities related to daily life, they stimulate their various senses, form life habits, and have opportunities to learn through trial and error.

Montessori Education I: What Is the Most Important Education Factor for Children?

In the Montessori philosophy of education, the concept of a “prepared environment” is emphasized to encourage these children’s physical and mental independence. “Prepared environment” refers to the overall factors provided so that children can engage in activities to satisfy their desire for exploration and learning on their own.

The English of North Korea: Analyzing Kim Jong-un’s Revised English Textbooks

Before the revision in North Korea, English or Russian were the only languages taught in cities in 2003, but in 2013, English education was expanded nationwide. In the revised curriculum, foreign language subjects were unified into English, and the Russian language course was abruptly ended. As a result, the number of hours spent by students in English classes has been greatly expanded (Cho et al., 2015).

Flipping the Classroom: Walking in Students’ Shoes

“This warm welcome reminded me to be mindful of our students’ current circumstances.”

Learning Korean: The Adventure Continues

“A better strategy is to be ‘a foreigner who speaks Korean pretty well.’”

Fun & Free: Creating Multilinguals at the GIC Korean–Chinese Language Exchange

“It is definitely the most genuine and wholehearted language exchange program you could ever wish to experience.”