The Montessori Method in Pre-Primary Education - An Overview of Research Written in English

Over the centuries, the educational system has sought changes that would improve not only children’s learning but also the teachers’ role in teaching children. In addition to continual improvements introduced in state-owned pre-primary education institutions, a number of alternative approaches to education, including Montessori kindergartens, have been established. Montessori kindergartens are nowadays becoming increasingly popular among parents. The reasons for choosing these kindergartens can be found in their unique way of working with children and the Montessori pedagogy itself, which emphasizes the importance of children learning independently, and whose slogan is “Help me do it myself”. The goal of Montessori pedagogy is not to drive, but to encourage activity, collaboration, and independent learning. The aim of the theoretical part of this final thesis is to present basic information about Maria Montessori, her life and education, her teaching methods as well as the knowledge that Montessori pedagogy provides today for early childhood and preschool education institutions. This thesis will also give an overview of several research papers published in the English language on Montessori education in the eye of the public, Montessori learning and teaching, collaboration among parents, teachers, and children attending Montessori educational institutions as well as the main learning and teaching outcomes of Maria Montessori pedagogy. Creating a better path for the inclusion of children with disabilities into Montessori-based kindergartens will also be mentioned. The research papers used in the thesis were retrieved from online databases as well as Montessori association and some journal websites.