Montessori is a practical and natural approach to education. It is characterised by an emphasis on independence, freedom of choice within limits, mutual respect and building of self-confidence and self-esteem. Dr. Montessori saw that children construct their own personalities through the choices they make while interacting with their environment. She closely observed the manner in which children learn, through watching them work with the developmental materials she created over time. Those materials were designed to enable children to teach themselves, through their own, proactive efforts of exploration. Her ideas surrounding education were based on her personal observations in which philosophy and pedagogy are intertwined. They encourage the children to develop their creativity, problem solving skills, critical thinking and time-management. The children can therefore contribute to society and the environment, and become fulfilled persons in their ...
