Montessori Approach
The MAYA Project draws inspiration from the pedagogical philosophy of Dr. Maria
Montessori (1870–1952), one of the most influential figures in modern education.
Montessori’s approach is based on the belief that every individual possesses an innate
capacity and desire to learn. Education, therefore, should aim to unfold potential rather than
impose knowledge (Montessori, The Absorbent Mind, 1949).
Core Montessori Principles
According to Montessori’s works (The Secret of Childhood, 1936; Education for a New World,
1946), learning is most effective when it is:
Self-directed, allowing learners to take responsibility for their own process.
Experiential, grounded in activity and reflection (“learning by doing”).
Individualized, respecting each person’s pace, interests, and abilities.
Emotionally supportive, encouraging autonomy, confidence, and intrinsic motivation.
Contextual and social, enabling collaboration and community awareness.
These principles, originally developed for children, have been widely adapted to adult
learning and lifelong education (Standing, 1957; Lillard, 2005).
Adaptation to Adult and Non-formal Learning
In the MAYA Project, Montessori philosophy is translated into the context of young adult
women who are Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEETs).
This adaptation follows three essential lines:
1. Self-directed learning: Participants define their own learning goals and pathways with guidance from mentors, echoing Montessori’s idea of the “prepared environment” that supports independent growth.
2. Experiential learning: Practical workshops, mentoring circles, and reflective activities replace passive instruction, allowing women to learn through experience, experimentation, and dialogue.
3. Emotional empowerment: The project prioritizes self-confidence, resilience, and self-awareness as educational outcomes, reflecting Montessori’s view that emotional development is inseparable from intellectual growth.
Through this framework, Montessori principles become a tool for empowerment and inclusion, enabling NEET women to rediscover their potential and participate actively in personal, social, and professional life.
Montessori in the MAYA Framework
The influence of Montessori pedagogy is embedded in three dimensions of the project:
- Research and curriculum design (WP2): Development of a learning model based on autonomy, reflection, and competence.
- Mentoring and open resources (WP3): Creation of digital and human-centered tools supporting individualized learning.
- Local actions and case studies (WP4): Implementation of experiential workshops and mentoring sessions to validate the approach.
By integrating Montessori philosophy into adult education, the MAYA Project extends the tradition of human-centered pedagogy into a modern, inclusive context — promoting equality, self-efficacy, and lifelong learning for women across Europe.