Explain The Relationship Between Discipline And Ob

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Explain the relationship between discipline and obedience from the Montessori perspective. Explain how discipline and obedience are linked to the development of the will In the English language, the term ‘discipline’ is not only used to represent a set of rules that must be adhered to, it is also used to describe ‘punishment given to correct a person or enforce obedience’. (The Oxford Reference Dictionary. Oxford University Press. 1986, 1989, p233) If to achieve discipline you must ‘enforce obedience’ the result will be an external show of discipline achieved by means of superficial obedience. Montessorians approach discipline differently. They aim to help promote and guide the development of true and lasting discipline which comes from within the child and is not a superficial or outward show. Inner discipline is when a child can control him or herself and ‘are masters of their own homes’. (Maria Montessori, The Discovery of the child, 1988b, p304) As children develop this real inner discipline their will is as a result beginning to form and cultivate. ‘The basic error is to suppose that a person’s will must necessarily be broken before it can obey’. (Montessori, The Absorbent Mind,1988a, p232) It is a common misconception that to attain obedience and therefore discipline you must break the will. Montessorians disagree. True obedience is a personal act/desire of your will and is not unquestioning in respect of choices. Ultimately, you choose to be obedient and are motivated through your will. The term discipline from a Montessorian perspective means having self control over your movements, actions and behaviour. Montessorians believe true discipline can not be enforced, only developed. If you have discipline you begin your journey through the ‘three levels of obedience’. (Montessori, 1998a, ch.25) The term obedience from a Montessorian perspective means
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