Promoting preschool children's psychological development through Montessori Education
Keywords:
Montessori education, preschool children, psychological development, child-centered learning, early childhood educationAbstract
Psychological development during early childhood provides the foundation for children's lifelong learning, emotional well-being, and social adjustment. Montessori education has gained increasing international recognition as a child-centered educational approach that supports children's holistic development through self-directed learning, prepared learning environments, and experiential activities. This study aims to examine the contribution of Montessori education to preschool children's psychological development through a qualitative documentary research approach. Secondary data were collected from academic books, peer-reviewed journal articles, systematic reviews, conference proceedings, and official educational documents published primarily between 2011 and 2025. The selected literature was analyzed using qualitative content analysis to identify recurring themes related to children's psychological development. The findings indicate that Montessori education promotes multiple dimensions of psychological development, including autonomy, emotional regulation, social competence, intrinsic motivation, self-confidence, and psychological resilience. The review also reveals that effective implementation depends on qualified teachers, carefully prepared learning environments, institutional support, and fidelity to Montessori principles. Furthermore, the study discusses the relevance of Montessori education to preschool education reform in Vietnam, highlighting both implementation challenges and practical implications for educational policy and teacher professional development.
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