Montessori practices in early childhood education with teachers' experiences

The study was conducted using a qualitative research method to examine Montessori preschool education practices in Turkiye. The study group consisted of 14 teachers in Montessori classrooms of preschools in the central district of a province in Turkiye. The data were collected with a Structured Classroom Observation Form, Material Control List and Semi-structured interviews. The MAXQDA 2022 software was used for the analysis of teacher interviews. According to the findings, the structure of the Montessori classrooms was generally in accordance with the Montessori philosophy, and there was a sufficient number and variety of Montessori materials in the classrooms. Practical life and mathematics activities were frequently included in the program. The most commonly used materials were sensorial and cosmic field materials. Teachers felt inadequate about Montessori practices. There were problems with the high-class size, mixed age, cost and supply of material. According to teachers, education provides children with self-regulation skills and enables effective learning. In addition, education has some advantages for parents and teachers. Children were bored with the activities, parents had insufficient knowledge of the practices, and teachers had time management problems. Finally, teachers offered recommendations for improving practices.