Montessori education is a child-centered educational approach developed by Italian physician Maria Montessori in the early 20th century. It emphasizes hands-on learning, independence, and respect for a child's natural psychological development15. Key principles of Montessori education include:
-Respect for the Child: Viewing children as capable individuals and allowing them to make choices and learn independently.
-The Absorbent Mind: Recognizing that children constantly learn from their environment, especially in early years.
-Prepared Environment: Classrooms are carefully designed with age-appropriate materials to facilitate self-directed learning.
-Mixed-Age Classrooms: Children of different ages learn together, typically in three-year age groups.
-Freedom Within Limits: Students have the liberty to choose activities, but within a structured environment.
-Specialized Materials: Use of specific, often natural materials designed to teach various concepts.
-Uninterrupted Work Periods: Typically three-hour blocks for concentrated, self-directed learning.
-Auto-Education: Encouraging children to educate themselves with guidance from teachers.
Montessori classrooms typically lack traditional grading systems and focus on the holistic development of the child - intellectual, physical, social, and emotional57. The method aims to foster intrinsic motivation, independence, and a love for learning in children.
Source : https://montessori-ami.org/
To know more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montessori_education