Friday Morning, 9 May 2025

School Visits

On Friday morning, as part of the Montessori Europe 2025 Congress, attendees have the unique opportunity to visit some of Norway’s most inspiring Montessori schools. These school visits will allow you to observe Montessori pedagogy in action, across various age groups and learning environments, from toddler programs to adolescent classes. School visits must be booked together with your Congress registration, and spaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Ages served: 6-16 years (Elementary & Adolescent Programme)

Located just outside of Oslo, Bærum Montessori School is one of Norway’s oldest Montessori schools, founded in 1995. It operates as a non-profit foundation and is rooted in Montessori Norway’s curriculum, approved by the Norwegian Directorate of Education.

Ages served: 10 months – 6 years (Toddler & Early Childhood)

Bambini Montessoribarnehage is a private Montessori kindergarten located in Hamar. The school consists of five different departments, serving children from around 10 months to 6 years.

Ages served: 1-16 years (Toddler, Early Childhood, Elementary & Adolescent Programme)

Founded in 1991, Drøbak Montessori School offers a comprehensive Montessori program for children aged 1 to 16 years. The school is located in the picturesque town of Drøbak, 35 km south of Oslo on the east coast of the Oslo Fjord.

Ages served: 6-16 years (Elementary & Adolescent Programme)

Hamar Montessori School is a modern, purpose-built school located between Hedmarktoppen and Frøensberget. Established in 2001, it serves students from grades 1 through 10.

Ages served: 1-12 years (Toddler, Kindergarten & Elementary Programme)

Holmestrand International Montessori offers both a kindergarten and an elementary school programme, focusing on the Montessori method, closeness to nature, and sustainable operation.

Ages served: 6-16 years (Elementary & Adolescent Programme) 

Lyse Montessori School, established in 1993, is one of Norway’s oldest Montessori schools and serves children from grades 1 to 10. The school emphasises interdisciplinary and project-based learning.

Ages served: 6-15 years (Elementary & Adolescent Programme)

Oslo Montessori School is the largest Montessori school in Norway, serving 217 students. Ideally located in Skådalen, near nature, the school integrates outdoor learning into its curriculum.

09 May 2025

Welcome to the Montessori Europe 2025 Sustainability Workshops

As part of the Montessori Europe Sustainability Pillar, these workshops are designed to empower educators with the knowledge, tools, and inspiration to incorporate sustainable practices into their classrooms and school communities. Focusing on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), these sessions aim to deepen your understanding of environmental stewardship within the Montessori framework, ensuring that sustainability is woven into the fabric of education at every stage of development. 

09:00 – 12:00 – Workshop 1

Integrating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the Montessori Curriculum

This workshop offers an in-depth exploration of how Montessori educators can align the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with Montessori principles, creating sustainability-focused learning experiences that are both practical and deeply impactful. Participants will first be introduced to the SDGs and how they intersect with key Montessori values like cosmic education, respect for the environment, and the interconnectedness of life.

The Montessori Europe Sustainability Working Group is in the process of developing a comprehensive Sustainability Handbook, which will be available to support this workshop. Attendees will have access to this valuable resource, which provides additional guidance on integrating the SDGs into each phase of Montessori education. The handbook will offer practical activities, case studies, and frameworks to ensure that sustainability is woven into everyday classroom life.

During the session, participants will engage in hands-on activities designed to transform the global SDGs into meaningful, child-centred lessons. These activities will cover different Montessori age groups, from teaching waste reduction and recycling practices to young children to engaging older students in more complex, project-based learning focused on local sustainability initiatives.

Group discussions will provide opportunities to collaborate with fellow educators, exchanging ideas on how to infuse sustainability into existing curricula and classroom culture. By the end of the workshop, attendees will leave with actionable plans and resources, ready to implement sustainable practices in their Montessori environments.

14:00 – 15:30 Workshop 2

Practical Examples of Sustainability in Montessori Schools

In collaboration with Montessori Norway

This workshop highlights inspiring real-world sustainability projects from Montessori schools around the world and offers practical ideas for how you can implement similar initiatives in your own school environment. From permaculture gardens to waste management programmes, participants will explore a variety of examples that demonstrate how Montessori education can seamlessly integrate sustainability into its core principles.

Presented in collaboration with Montessori Norway, this session will also feature successful projects from Norwegian Montessori schools, emphasising local applications of global sustainability practices. Through case studies and interactive discussions, attendees will learn how these initiatives were developed and how they can adapt these ideas to their own contexts.

The workshop will guide participants in designing their own sustainability-focused projects using Montessori principles such as self-directed learning and hands-on exploration. Small group collaborations will provide the opportunity to brainstorm and create actionable project plans that are both feasible and transformative.

Carola Lång Howard

Heidi van Staden

Nina Johansen

09 May 2025

Research: Advancing Montessori Education through Rigorous Inquiry

Montessori Europe is committed to advancing research as a vital part of the Montessori movement. Research interrogates the Montessori approach, exploring its continued relevance and accessibility for modern educational needs. Through rigorous studies, we gain a deeper understanding of the Montessori method’s impact on learners of all ages and encourage ongoing reflection and innovation within the Montessori community.

The Montessori Europe Research Day on Friday, 09 May 2025, offers a unique platform to share and discuss recent research findings, methodologies, and educational insights. By bringing together researchers, educators, and advocates, this day serves as a catalyst for growth in Montessori practices that align with global educational challenges. Participants will leave with new perspectives, inspired to apply evidence-based practices in their own settings.

09:00 – 12:00 Morning Research Sessions

Chairs: Dr Jarosław Jendza and Dr Jayne Osgood

The morning of the Research Day is dedicated to two insightful sessions, each presenting valuable research that addresses themes critical to early childhood and adolescent education within the Montessori context. Each session will feature presentations by researchers who have conducted in-depth studies on various aspects of Montessori education, highlighting the role of research in shaping best practices.

Provisional Programme

Session 1: Fostering Early Childhood Development - Language, Social Competence, and Nature
  • Opening the Montessori box of words: Reporting on and evaluating the trial implementation of a Montessori-inspired approach to language development from birth to six

Presenter: Helen Prochazka, PhD
Affiliation: Montessori Partnership, Scotland

  • Social Competence of 5-6 Year Olds in Montessori and Mainstream Kindergartens in Bulgaria (Comparative Study)

Presenter: Desislava Stoeva, PhD
Affiliation: Faculty of Pedagogy, Sofia University, Bulgaria

  • Facilitating the Development of Nature Connectedness

Presenter: Michaela Geytenbeek
Affiliation: The Kinship Programme NPC, Durban, South Africa

  • From a nationwide study on the professional identity of Montessori teachers. A sense of success in an educational context

Presenter: Professor Beata Bednarczuk
Affiliation: Faculty of Pedagogy, Lublin University, Poland

Session 2: Adolescence, Technology, and Global Citizenship in Montessori Education
  • Exploring the Implementation of Erdkinder in Modern Montessori Schools

Presenters: Bryn W. Martinsen, PhD; Jarosław Jendza, PhD
Affiliations: Principal, Halden Montessori School, Norway; Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Didactics, University of Gdansk, Poland

  • Montessori, digital, and pre-adolescent practices, challenges and opportunities in the 21st Century era

Presenter: Iliana Morelli
Affiliation: PhD Student, Department of Human Sciences, LUMSA University, Rome, Italy

  • Integrating Montessori Method and Maker Education to Foster Social Inclusion and Equity in Montessori Schools

Presenters: Sarah Kennedy-Berge, Dr. Jordi Freixenet
Affiliations: Waterpark Montessori International, Norway;  University of Girona, Spain

  • Cosmopolitan Peace Education: Looking in and out of the Montessori Approach
    Presenter: Judith Neff, PhD

Affiliation: Montessori-Studio, Educational Science, University of Education, Weingarten, Germany

These sessions offer a comprehensive exploration of contemporary research topics in Montessori education, providing fresh insights and practical applications to enhance educational practices. Attendees are encouraged to engage with these findings, fostering a shared commitment to quality and innovation in Montessori education.

14:00 – 15:30 Afternoon Workshop

Action Research: The Teacher as a Scientist

Presenter: Dr. Jarosław Jendza

This engaging workshop, led by Dr. Jarosław Jendza, invites teachers to explore the vital role of research in Montessori education through the lens of scientific inquiry. Montessori firmly believed that pedagogy should be “scientific,” encouraging educators to approach their practice with both curiosity and rigor, always with the goal of better understanding and following each child’s unique developmental journey.

In this session, Dr. Jendza will guide participants through four types of in-class research that can be seamlessly integrated into daily practice: quantitative, qualitative, hybrid, and auto-transformative. Each method offers unique insights, from measurable data to reflective self-assessment, equipping educators with practical tools to observe, document, and respond to the needs of the children in their care.

Teachers will not only learn how to apply these research methods but also gain a foundational understanding of their application in refining professional competencies and enhancing the Montessori approach to observation. Dr. Jendza will provide resources and guidance on how to carry out these forms of research effectively, empowering teachers to become reflective practitioners in their classrooms.

To support participants beyond the congress, Dr. Jendza will also host a follow-up webinar focused on analysing the data collected through these methods. This additional session will delve into practical applications, demonstrating how educators can use research insights to adapt their approach and deepen their understanding of each child, ultimately enriching the Montessori environment and its outcomes.

This workshop is an invaluable opportunity for teachers to embrace the role of the “scientist in the classroom,” fostering a culture of continuous learning and purposeful observation that lies at the heart of Montessori education.

Dr. Jarosław Jendza, PhD

Dr. Jayne Osgood, PhD

PRE-CONGRESS FREE RESEARCH WEBINARS

To provide additional support for educators in developing their classroom observation skills, Dr. Jarosław Jendza will be leading a series of free, pre-congress webinars open to all teachers interested in action research. These webinars are designed to introduce educators to various research methods that can be applied in Montessori environments, building a foundation for the in-depth workshop to be held at the congress.

Webinar Series Schedule:

Webinar 1: Qualitative Reflection Strategies
  • Date: 18 December 2024 19:00 CET
  • Overview: This session will delve into techniques for qualitative observation, including clinical and “thick” description, naturalistic and focused observation, and the features of effective field notes. Educators will gain insights into non-judgmental, affirmative writing that supports a reflective practice in the classroom.

Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZElcO6oqDojGtATgf2174MfwnSADw1pPVUe

Webinar 2: Quantitative and Hybrid Reflection Strategies
  • Date: 05 February 2025 19:00 CET
  • Overview: This webinar introduces quantitative and hybrid methods, exploring the benefits and limitations of using numbers, scales, and codes in classroom observation. Attendees will learn how to construct a hybrid observation grid and understand when and why these tools can be valuable for capturing classroom dynamics in a structured way.
  • Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUudOCtqTosH9fFPJzImbgflZNFmMuFJhKu 

 

Webinar 3: Auto-transformative Observation and Re-learning as a Montessori Guide
  • Date: 26 March 2025 19:00 CET
  • Overview: Focusing on the auto-transformative approach, this session will address how educators can use reflective research to manage professional challenges and prevent burnout. Topics include ethical considerations, the therapeutic aspects of research, and auto-transformative writing as a method of personal and professional growth.
  • Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMkdOuqqTspGNBaFYDvRIDDam6u5uuijJ_2 

Each webinar is designed to give teachers practical strategies they can implement immediately, setting the stage for more robust observational practices in their Montessori settings.

A follow-up webinar post-congress will also be offered to guide educators in analysing and applying the data collected through these methods in day-to-day classroom activities.

Register now to take advantage of this unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of Montessori research and reflective practice.

09 May 2025

Montessori Europe Adolescent Working Group Workshop

The Montessori Europe Adolescent Working Group is committed to supporting educators in guiding adolescents through this transformative period of growth. Adolescence is a critical time when young people begin to explore their roles in society, develop a deeper sense of responsibility, and engage in real-world challenges. Our working group aims to equip Montessori teachers with the tools, strategies, and resources they need to nurture adolescents’ independence, creativity, and sense of global citizenship.

Through our collaboration with educators and researchers across Europe, we focus on creating environments that promote adolescent agency, community involvement, and personal development. As part of the Agenda 2030 focus, we place a particular emphasis on sustainable development, social justice, and empowering adolescents to become active contributors to the world around them.

This workshop is designed for teachers involved in supporting students in Adolescent Forum projects. We invite you to engage deeply with the themes of mentorship, student agency, and real-world problem-solving as we collectively work to provide the most meaningful learning experiences for our adolescents.

14:00 – 15:00 Workshop

The Missing Link to Successful Student Projects – Mentorship

In working with teachers and students on project development, it has become evident that while students are often able to design projects that align with academic and earth-stewardship goals, they struggle in the crucial execution phase. This workshop focuses on the vital role of mentorship in bridging that gap, ensuring that student projects are not only launched but also successfully completed.

Presented by Judith Cunningham and Gabriel Forestieri, the workshop introduces a framework for building effective mentor-mentee relationships. Drawing from real-world examples and case studies of successful mentorship programmes, participants will explore the essential qualities of a good mentor, how mentorship can benefit students, and strategies for supporting both mentors and mentees throughout the project development process.

Teachers will also learn how to identify and connect with experienced mentors who can guide their students through the challenges of project execution. By the end of the session, participants will have a practical toolkit for fostering strong, supportive mentor-mentee dynamics that help students turn their ideas into reality.

This workshop is a must for teachers involved in the Adolescent Forum projects and those looking to strengthen their mentoring practices within a Montessori framework.

Judith Cunningham

Gabriel Forestieri

09 May 2025

Keynote Address: AI AI Captain: The promise and pitfalls of AI in education

The launch of ChatGPT in the fall of 2022 took the world by storm, and education by surprise. Generative AI technology provides a fantastic potential for learning, but it also has a massive potential for being detrimental for learning. As educators, how can we release the potential of the technology and avoid the pitfalls? The short answer: we need to think outside of the box with AI. 

The launch of ChatGPT in the fall of 2022 took the world by storm, and education by surprise. Generative AI technology provides a fantastic potential for learning, but it also has a massive potential for being detrimental for learning. As educators, how can we release the potential of the technology and avoid the pitfalls? The short answer: we need to think outside of the box with AI. 

Keynote Presenters

Eirik Sjåholm Knudsen and his son, Theis