Montessori education

"Montessori" redirects here. For the founder, see Maria Montessori. For other uses, see Montessori (disambiguation).

Traditional Montessori educational materials on display at the exhibition "Designed for children" at Triennale di Milano, Milan
Children working with a moveable alphabet at a Montessori school[1]

The Montessori method of education is a type of educational method that involves children's natural interests and activities rather than formal teaching methods. A Montessori classroom places an emphasis on hands-on learning and developing real-world skills.[2] It emphasizes independence and it views children as naturally eager for knowledge and capable of initiating learning in a sufficiently supportive and well-prepared learning environment.[3] It also discourages some conventional measures of achievement, such as grades and tests.[3]

The method was started in the early 20th century by Italian physician Maria Montessori, who developed her theories through scientific experimentation with her students; the method has since been used in many parts of the world, in public and private schools alike.[4][5]

A range of practices exist under the name "Montessori", which is not trademarked. Popular elements include mixed-age classrooms, student freedom (including their choices of activity), long blocks of uninterrupted work time, specially trained teachers, and prepared environment. Scientific studies regarding the Montessori method are mostly positive,[6] with a 2017 review stating that "broad evidence" exists for its efficacy.[7]

  1. ^ "What are phonograms and how they are taught to children". The Montessorian wordpress. 22 May 2011. Archived from the original on 26 March 2014. Retrieved 26 March 2014.
  2. ^ Jones, Stacy (11 August 2020). "Computers and Technology in Montessori Schools". Montessori For Today. Retrieved 29 June 2022.
  3. ^ a b "Montessori Foundations of Chicago". Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  4. ^ "Introduction to Montessori Method". American Montessori Society. Archived from the original on 10 February 2019. Retrieved 29 August 2017.
  5. ^ Meinke, Hannah (11 April 2019). "Exploring the Pros and Cons of Montessori Education". Archived from the original on 16 February 2015. Retrieved 24 October 2020.
  6. ^ Benyamin, Chaya (13 August 2021). "Montessori: An Effective Learning Approach or a Matter of Faith?". The Perspective. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
  7. ^ Marshall, Chloë (27 October 2017). "Montessori education: a review of the evidence base". npj Science of Learning. 2 (1): 11. Bibcode:2017npjSL...2...11M. doi:10.1038/s41539-017-0012-7. PMC 6161506. PMID 30631457.