Teachers’ Understanding, Adoption, and Implementation of the Montessori Method in Selected Montessori Schools in Gauteng, South Africa
Date
2023-08
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
Abstract
This research study explored how Montessori teachers understand, adopt, and implement the Montessori Method in a South African context. To these ends the study examined the teachers’ understanding of the Montessori Method and their role in the Method, how they implement the Method in their practice, and the psycho-social factors which influenced them to adopt alternative practices. A framework of five authentic Montessori principles were outlined which served as a lens to examine and determine the teachers’ subjective understanding, adoption, and implementation of these five principles of the Montessori Method. The study adopted an interpretative paradigm and a qualitative multiple-case approach was utilised. This involved the use of data collection methods as semi-structured interviews and observations of 14 pre-primary Montessori teachers, from six private Montessori schools in Gauteng, South Africa. The findings revealed that the teachers have a comprehensive understanding of the Montessori Method and their understanding of their role in the Method did not differ from Montessori’s role descriptions. However, it was found that despite their comprehensive understanding of the Method, the teachers adopted practices which were not congruent with the Montessori Method. The reasons for the adoption of these noncongruent practices included their disagreement with Montessori’s ideas, beliefs, financial constraints, parental demands, and quite importantly, the children’s disruptive behaviour. It is recommended that Montessori schools should provide parents with clear indication about their adherence to Maria Montessori’s practices, and should reveal whether the employed teachers are trained in the Montessori Method. Further recommendations include parental education about the nature of the authentic Montessori Method, to assist them in making the correct decision regarding their children’s education.
Description
A dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Education to the Faculty of Humanities, Wits School of Education, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023.
Keywords
Early Childhood Education, Maria Montessori, Montessori Education, Montessori teacher, Montessori practices, Montessori Method, UCTD
Citation
Gorgieva, Ruzhica. (2023). Teachers’ Understanding, Adoption, and Implementation of the Montessori Method in Selected Montessori Schools in Gauteng, South Africa. [Master's dissertation, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg]. https://hdl.handle.net/10539/41479