Montessori pedagogy is a pedagogical approach developed by the Italian doctor and educator Maria Montessori in the early 20th century. It is based on the idea that children learn best through independent work in a carefully prepared environment with specially designed materials.
Characteristics
Montessori classrooms are often age-mixed; pupils largely choose their own activities and work at their own pace. The teacher acts more as a guide than as a traditional lecturer. Materials are self-correcting — pupils can see for themselves when a task has been completed correctly.
In Sweden
Most Swedish Montessori schools are independent schools (friskolor) and follow the Swedish curriculum (Lgr22) alongside the principles of Montessori pedagogy. The Swedish Schools Inspectorate (Skolinspektionen) verifies that pupils meet the curriculum's knowledge requirements regardless of pedagogical approach.