Montessori method
Self-directed educational approach
The Montessori method is an educational approach emphasizing self-directed activity, hands-on learning, and collaborative play.
Developed by Italian physician Maria Montessori in the early twentieth century, it structures classrooms with mixed-age groups and specially designed materials that children choose freely.
The method prioritizes following each child's natural interests and developmental pace rather than standardized curricula: Our preschool uses the Montessori method.
- constructivismActive knowledge-building theory
- self-regulationManaging one's own behavior
- intrinsic motivationDesire from within oneself
- progressive educationChild-centered pedagogical approach
- holistic educationTeaching all dimensions of development
Jean Piaget · cooperative learning · John Dewey · normalization · hands-on · scaffolding · didactic · manipulatives · preschool · executive function · child-centered · classroom · sensorial · wooden toys · toddler · concentration · freedom · cognitive milestones
- pedagogyteaching methods, teaching, teaching strategies, teaching models, teaching techniques
- alternative educationalternative schools, democratic education, homeschooling, homeschool, unschooling
- education historypublic schooling, education reforms, school reform, educational reforms, one-room school
- schooling historyhornbooks, one-room schools, schoolmasters, schoolhouses, primers
- Montessorinormalization, bells, snake game, directress, self-correction
- Montessori biographybirth, death, childhood, education, medical degree
Montessori methodtraditional education
Standard classroom-based instruction
Montessori methodstandardized testing
Identical assessments across populations