Research For over 100 years the substance of Montessori’s theory has been affirmed by amongst others, Sir Ken Robinson in his famous TED talk - 'Do schools kill creativity?' which has now been viewed over 70 million times. Despite Montessori, and education reform advocates, like Ken Robinson, mainstream education is not individualised for each child but remains standardised and focused on academic achievement, encouraging groups of children to conform to mainstream societal expectations. Montessori is not recognised, it is misunderstood and it has not gained the traction it deserves in our communities, our government and in the education system in Australia. Your aid is what is needed to strive to change this situation. The time has come to place Montessori research front and centre in Oceania, to study in detail how the psychology of the child benefits under Montessori principles and practice and to further the empirical evidence. Therefore, Montessorians can endeavour to continue to transform the education system so that it serves many more children in Australia. |
Montessori Alumni Leaders
 An empirical Montessori research alumni study (Beresford-Jones, 2020) sought to understand, whilst training in postgraduate PhD study, how Montessori leadership is perceived by experienced Montessorians. Findings demonstrated that essential for effective leadership of a Montessori setting is an understanding of Montessori philosophy and practice. Additionally, Montessori leaders value placing the child as central in all aspects of operation. Furthermore, to lead an effective Montessori setting deep levels of respect and integrity are vital for all. Over the years of refining the Montessori theory during her lifetime the one constant was that leaders of Montessori settings gained deep and transformative Montessori training to understand the child’s role in society and lead a school. Her courses were composed of three main elements. Firstly, Montessori's own lectures, complete and systematic study of the didactic materials, and observations carried out in recognised Montessori Schools. //o.b5z.net/i/u/10252201/f/Montessori_Leadership_Study_
| Montessori Leadership Study
 Montessori leadership philosophy re-examined and its influence on education quality as embodied in contemporary Montessori settings.Peer-reviewed thesis statement in study of Philosophy of Montessori (Beresford-Jones, 2021). Explores Montessori education investigating the substance of Montessori’s theory and how it has been embedded over time. In Australia there are 264 settings using ‘Montessori’ in their name. Little empirical data-driven research has been completed in the Montessori leadership field, none within Australian context. This research highlights quality in Montessori education, such as keystone elements of trained Montessori educators/leaders. This empirical study explored who influences leaders. Understanding the importance of a leader’s individual intent, including humility, patience and courage. Through using a mixed methods approach the study places at the forefront Montessori’s own voice in this area and stakeholder’s perspectives. |