Montessori and 21st-Century Skills - A Study on the Experiences and Implementation by Montessori Teachers
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2025-04-11
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en
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This study explores how Montessori teachers experience and implement 21st-century skills in
their teaching practices and the challenges and opportunities they encounter in the current
educational context. Through qualitative research, in-depth interviews were conducted with
six Montessori teachers from the Netherlands, representing various grade levels and
professional backgrounds. The study examines key Montessori principles such as selfregulation,
collaboration, individualized learning, and freedom within limits, analyzing their
alignment with 21st-century skills, including creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving,
communication, collaboration, digital literacy, and media literacy.
Findings indicate that while many Montessori teachers naturally integrate 21st-century skills
into their teaching, there is variation in the explicit focus given to these competencies.
Collaboration and self-regulation emerge as core values, strongly supported by mixed-age
classrooms and self-directed learning. Creativity aligns with Montessori’s emphasis on
autonomy, while problem-solving is deeply connected to the use of Montessori materials.
Digital and media literacy, however, present significant challenges, particularly for older
educators who struggle with digital integration, despite efforts to introduce structured lessons
such as "Digidoeners."
The study also highlights challenges in Montessori education, including inconsistencies in
implementation due to the absence of mandatory Montessori training, the suitability of the
approach for all students, and the external pressures of standardized testing, which sometimes
push schools toward traditional teaching methods. Teachers' self-efficacy in teaching 21stcentury
skills varies, with experienced educators feeling more confident, while newer teachers
emphasize the importance of continuous practice and professional development.
This research contributes to the growing discussion on the modernization of Montessori
education by identifying gaps and opportunities for integrating 21st-century skills more
effectively. It recommends targeted professional development, standardized guidelines for
digital literacy, and greater collaboration among Montessori schools to support teachers in
adapting to contemporary educational demands while maintaining the core principles of the
Montessori method.
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