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Characterizing the Conversation: A Historical Re-view of Maria Montessori's Visits to the United States 1913-1918

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

This historical re-view of the events and interactions of Maria Montessori's visit to the United States between the years 1913 and 1918 begins by examining Montessori's personal history, with an emphasis on her educational background leading up to her becoming the first female physician in Italy. After discussing her scientific background briefly, the document specifically addresses several of Montessori's educational concepts. Next, this study examines specific nuances of organization, power and intent found in the educational system of the United States at the time of her visits. Particular emphasis is placed on the implications of industrialization, increasing immigration and the response of the educational establishment to these issues. Interactions and events from her visits in the United States follow. Montessori's influences on and experiences with prominent figures in the U.S. at that time are accentuated through the events that highlight her travels. After detailing each visit in the historical context in which it occurred, the piece continues with the author's discussion of how the dissertation applies to teaching history in the foundations. The piece concludes with conceptual suggestions of ways to increase diverse social awareness and encourage community-based responses of pre-service and in-service public school educators.

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Ph. D.
Level thesis:degree_level
doctoral
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Curriculum and Instruction
Department dc:contributor.department
Curriculum and Instruction
Grantor dc:publisher
Virginia Tech
Year dc:date.issued
1997

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Zell, Stacy Kay
Chair dc:contributor.committeechair
  • Hunt, Thomas C.
Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember
  • Fu, Victoria R.
  • Garrison, James E.
  • Murphy, Susan B.
  • Nespor, Jan K.

Subjects

dc:subject × 5

Rights

dc:rights
Statement dc:rights
  • In Copyright
Language dc:language.iso
en

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Dc Identifier Other
etd-1823142339731121
etd-08082007-115425
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/30319

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Virginia Tech
Base URL
vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/oai/request
Last updated
2026-07-22
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Zell, Stacy Kay. Characterizing the Conversation: A Historical Re-view of Maria Montessori's Visits to the United States 1913-1918. doctoral thesis, Virginia Tech, 1997. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/30319