On Monday 31 August we celebrated Maria Montessori’s Birthday, she was born 156 years ago

in Italy and died in Holland in 1952, a few months before she was due to make her first trip to

Africa.

 

She was a visionary educator whose philosophy has stood the test of time due to her very clear

understanding of child development. She recognised that learning is most effective when the child

can choose their area of focus and to explore it through movement and their senses. In response,

she created learning environments and a teaching approach that facilitates both, and promotes

the child’s constructive choices of activities.

 

Modern research in Neuroscience evidences the outstanding growth that a Montessori education

can provide. If this is something that interests you, click on the link below to take you to an

interesting presentation with paediatric neurologist Dr Steve Hughes.

 

 

A new systematic review   of the effect of a Montessori Education has set out to pinpoint exactly

what the ‘Montessori Difference’ is in terms of children’s education and well-being. It is a review

of 32 academic studies published between 1967 and 2020 of Montessori-educated students in

eight countries. Students included in the studies range in age from preschool to high school and

come from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds. Each study included in the review compares

Montessori and traditional education to measure which has better outcomes for pupils, both

academically, socially, and emotionally. What did it find? In a nutshell, Montessori education has

more meaningful and positive holistic benefits compared to traditional education.

 

The data show that a Montessori education provides academic benefits, especially in literacy and

numeracy learning. Furthermore, that Montessori students demonstrated stronger executive

functioning, including self-control and working memory and reported an overall more positive

school experience. A striking finding of the study is that Montessori students are, on average, a

full school year ahead by the end of their primary phase of education.

 

In non-academic measures, Montessori students also excelled; they demonstrated

stronger executive function, including self-control and working memory, and reported a more

positive school experience overall compared to traditional students. This is a sound affirmation of

our work with children, doing what we love and making a real difference!

 

As a teacher and school leader, I see the approach to be of increasing relevance for today’s

children. We are in urgent need of a method of education that encourages activity for healthy

minds and bodies, fuels curiosity for learning, boosts emotional intelligence, and connects children

with nature and their communities.