Graduate Program
Family and Consumer Studies
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Semester of Degree Completion
2013
Thesis Director
Linda Simpson
Thesis Committee Member
Lisa Moyer
Thesis Committee Member
Jacquelyn Frank
Abstract
This study was designed to offer insight to Montessori educators regarding the grasp that parents who choose Montessori for their children possess of the basic Montessori principles. These principles, which are applied in Montessori schools around the world each day, serve as the underpinning of Montessori philosophy, and since parents are the most significant teachers in their children's lives, it makes sense that parents are working in harmony with the guiding principles of their children's schools. Montessori schools have enjoyed a long history of serving children and families, and have often maintained waiting lists of prospective families who want the best for their children. However, I believed that it was plausible that these same children, while immersed in Montessori principles at school, could be returning to homes with completely different types of environments, with contradictory rules and expectations. Since Dr. Montessori herself emphasized the importance of consistency between home and school, the focus of this study was to gather information that will assist the Montessori community in understanding if we are meeting that particular goal of the great educator Maria Montessori. The researcher developed a Parent Survey that was distributed to Montessori schools throughout the United States. In addition to these survey questions, the researcher compared the "Montessori Knowledge" of Montessori parents to research conducted by Murray, (2008) regarding the general public's perceptions of Montessori philosophy. Two hundred forty-seven parents completed the online questionnaire. Results indicated that although Montessori parents displayed a greater understanding of Montessori philosophy than did the general public, these families are not consistently employing Montessori principles at home. Those in the field of Montessori education should consider the work of parent education a top priority, particularly at this time in history when the Montessori approach to education is rapidly gaining attention. Montessori advocates have longed for this scientific method of education to reach the mainstream. This researcher wonders if we are prepared to expand our goals, and prioritize parent education so that the Montessori philosophy may be a true transformation for both children and families. Dr. Maria Montessori would expect nothing less.
Recommended Citation
Sanantonio, Cody Davis, "Montessori principles: Do Montessori parents understand their significance and apply them to their family lives?" (2013). Masters Theses. 1153.
https://thekeep.eiu.edu/theses/1153
