Teaching and learning during the early years : the Montessori method and the Reggio-Emilia approach

Abstract

The Montessori Method and the Reggio-Emilia Approach are two educational methods that differ from traditional educational methods. This dissertation seeks to explore the principles that constitute these two methods as well as the similarities that exist between the two methods. Apart from that, this dissertation also seeks to explore the accuracy of the application of the principles of these methods in Maltese childcare centres that claim to foster these methods through the perspective of childcare centre managers and stakeholders. In this study, six interviews were carried out. Two of them were conducted with two managers of Montessori-inspired childcare centres. Another two interviews were conducted with two managers of childcare centres that are inspired by the Reggio-Emilia Approach. The other two interviews were conducted with a committee member within the Early Childhood Development Association of Malta (ECDAM) and an Educational Officer in the field of Early Childhood Education. These interviews were audio-recorded and later these were transcribed. It was found that while there are childcare centres that follow the educational approach they claim to foster, there are others that do not.