The Strategies of Montessori Teachers to Raise the Curiosity in Children

Abstract

The aim of this research is to deeply investigate strategies for arousing curiosity in children in Montessori method acknowledged as a modern education approach. Based on this aim, study participants are composed of 10 female preschool teachers working in Montessori schools in Germany. Study data has been gathered according to qualitative research methods. In analysis of qualitative data, descriptive analysis method has been used. Data is obtained by the process that questions in semi-structured interview form developed by researcher have been asked to teachers. Open-ended questions have been posed to teachers in order to identify under which situations it is difficult/easy to arouse curiosity, which activities/topics are easy/difficult for arousing curiosity, and specific strategies for arousing curiosity in children. Study findings indicates that for arousing curiosity in children, Montessori teachers apply sensitive observation, prepared environment, free choice, special attention, attention polarisation-concentration and sensitive phases principles. Keywords : Preschool teacher, preschool education, curiosity in children, Montessori approach