Origins and development of the Maria Montessori’s mathematical proposal

Abstract

The introduction of complex mathematical concepts through perceptual and sensorial hands-on experiences is one of the most relevant aspects of the Montessori method proposal. This article aims to investigate the origins of the Montessori’s profound interest for mathematics, studying the history of the education of mathematics, after the unification of Italy, in which her school education took place. Her key concepts and beliefs about the learning of mathematics and, furthermore, the evolution of her proposal will be illustrated through the analysis of her main publications, both the generalist and the specialized ones in the field of mathematics (Psicoaritmetica and Psicogeometria), and handwritten notes about the lessons of XVI° international course, held in Rome in 1931, which the Opera Nazionale Montessori acquired from her students’ archives. Finally, an overview of the actualization of the Montessori method in the contemporary research will be explained, particularly focusing on the neuroscientific discoveries which have proved the effectiveness of the Montessori proposal to empower the cognitive processes involved in the development of mathematical thinking.