Examining the Montessori Model of Early Childhood Education in Ghana: The Gap between Policy and Practice

Abstract

The study is a quantitative research of the survey type that sought to investigate the extent to which principles and practices of the Montessori model of Early Childhood Education are adhered to by some selected early childhood centres in the Kumasi metropolis of the Ashanti region of Ghana, West Africa. Using a purposive sampling approach, sixty-one early childhood educators in six Early Childhood Centres from the study area volunteered to participate in the study. Three issues were investigated in the study; a determination of participants qualifications to teach using the Montessori model, scheduling and time use within the framework of Montessori education, and materials and activities used for teaching and learning. Results emanating from the study pointed to the following among others; most participants engaged in the study were not trained in Montessori education, scheduling and time use were deemed as unsatisfactory, children sometimes chose whether to participate in individual lessons and presentations, Montessori materials were sometimes used but not frequently, and also class sizes relative to teacher-pupil ratios were large. Participants also revealed that among the hindrances that affected the effective implementation of the Montessori model were the lack of teacher training, and parental concerns and demands. Among some recommendations provided were; the need for teacher training of educators interested in the Montessori model of education, the need for establishing peer-reviewed Montessori associations or organizations tasked with ensuring compliance to the Montessori model of early childhood education, and a call to tailor any form of educational model such as the Montessori type to reflect and carry on board the unique socio-cultural practices of that area.

Keywords: Early Childhood Education, Montessori Education, Teacher Qualification, Scheduling and Time Use, Materials and Activities.