Montessori pedagogy in working with children with autism spectrum disorders

Montessori pedagogija odgojno-obrazovni je pristup koji je razvila talijanska pedagoginja Marija Montessori. Prema Mariji Montessori, djeca posjeduju urođenu želju za stjecanjem znanja te unutarnje snage koje potiču samoaktivnost tijekom svog razvojnog puta. Montessori podrazumijeva da odgojitelji trebaju biti mentori koji potiču djetetove unutarnje sposobnosti bez nametanja i uplitanja u njihov rad. Montessori pedagogija u početku nije bila namijenjena ciljano djeci s poremećajima iz spektra autizma, ali brzo su se uvidjele njezine brojne prednosti u radu s takvom djecom. Montessori pedagogija pruža mogućnost da se djeci s poremećajima iz spektra autizma uz pomoć dobro pripremljene okoline i predvidljivih rutina, omogući razvoj samostalnosti i kvalitetna integracija među zdravom djecom. Montessori pedagogija potiče djecu na učenje određenih vještina bez prisile, direktnog vođenja i ograničavanja. Cilj ovog diplomskog rada je dobiti uvid u iskustva Montessori odgojiteljica koje primjenjuju Montessori pedagogiju u radu s djecom s poremećajima iz spektra autizma, uočiti prilagodbe Montessori materijala i metoda koje se koriste u radu s djecom s poremećajim iz spektra autizma te procjeniti učinkovitost primjene Montessori pedagogije u poticanju razvoja djece s poremećajima iz spektra autizma. Primijenjena metodologija istraživanja uključuje intervjue s odgojiteljicama triju dječjih vrtića koje posjeduju kvalifikacije Montessori odgojitelja i imaju praktično iskustvo u primjeni ovog pristupa u radu s djecom s poremećajima iz spektra autizma. Korištenjem polustrukturiranog intervjua prikupljene su informacije o njihovim iskustvima, metodološkim pristupima te izazovima i prednostima primjene Montessori pedagogije u radu s djecom s poremećajima iz spektra autizma. Istraživanje je usmjereno na praktične implikacije primjene Montessori pedagogije u radu s djecom koja imaju poremećaje iz spektra autizma i na analizu rada i metoda odgojiteljica koje provode ovaj pristup.Montessori pedagogy is an educational approach developed by Italian educator Marija Montessori. According to Marija Montessori, children have an innate desire for knowledge and inner strengths that promote self-activity during their developmental journey. Montessori emphasizes that educators should be mentors who encourage a child’s internal abilities without imposing or interfering with their work. Initially, Montessori pedagogy was not specifically intended for children with autism spectrum disorders, but its numerous advantages in working with such children were quickly recognized. Montessori pedagogy provides an opportunity for children with autism spectrum disorders to develop independence and quality integration with typically developing children through a well-prepared environment and predictable routines. Montessori pedagogy encourages children to learn specific skills without coercion, direct guidance, or limitations. The aim of this master’s thesis is to understand the experiences of Montessori educators who apply Montessori pedagogy in working with children with autism spectrum disorders, identify adaptations of Montessori materials and methods used in working with children with autism spectrum disorders, and assess the effectiveness of implementing Montessori pedagogy in promoting the development of children with autism spectrum disorders. The applied research methodology will include interviews with educators from three preschools who possess Montessori educator qualifications and have practical experience in implementing this approach with children with autism spectrum disorders. Using a semi-structured interview, information was collected about their experiences, methodological approaches, as well as the challenges and advantages of implementing Montessori pedagogy with children with autism spectrum disorders. The research focuses on the practical implications of implementing Montessori pedagogy in working with children with autism spectrum disorders as well as analyzing the work and methods of educators who employ this approach