3-6 Diploma Course 2023 (Summer Course)

The AMI Montessori 3-6 Diploma Course is an intensive full time programme designed to help students study closely the theory and practice of the Montessori approach to education. The course is scheduled over approximately 3 summers and will help prepare students for working with children from 3 to 6 years of age. Dr. Montessori developed her core philosophy with this age group and the course deals with seminal ideas of her pedagogy.

Course Delivery

This course will be onsite.
Timing: 8:45 AM to 3:15 PM

 

Course Components

The AMI Primary Montessori Diploma Course (3-6 Age Level) is an intensive full time programme designed to help students study closely the theory and practice of the Montessori approach to education. The course of study spread over 9 months will help prepare students for working with children from 3 to 6 years of age. Dr. Montessori developed her core philosophy with this age group and the course deals with seminal ideas of her pedagogy.

Theory Lectures

The theory lectures will offer the students the opportunity to examine the development of the whole child, and the successive phases of child development. Special consideration is given to the formative psychic powers of the child that leads to all-round development. The carefully prepared environment and materials and the role and attitude of the adult will also be studied.

Demonstration Lectures

The practical demonstration lectures deal with the function and presentation of the materials offered to children from 3 to 6 years of age in a Montessori environment. The aims of the materials, the technique of presenting them to the child and the age at which they must be offered will be discussed in these sessions.

Supervised Practice

During scheduled hours students will have an opportunity to practice with the materials. Students will be supervised and guided in the use of the materials and encouraged to develop and practice the techniques by which they will present the various materials to children.

Care of the Environment

Students will also be asked to take responsibility for the environment everyday just as they would when they are with children. This is an essential aspect of the training that develops the students’ eye for the care and maintenance of the material and helps them to develop a familiarity with the set up of a Montessori environment.

School Observation and Teaching Practice

Students will be assigned to go to various Montessori environments in the city for observation and teaching practice for 8 weeks between summers from July to March. During this time they will be shown how to keep a record of observations and as well as have an opportunity to work directly with children under the Supervision of an AMI trained adult. Students will need to budget for their commute to the various city schools.

Assignments and Albums

Students will need to submit typed work at regular intervals during the course, which will include theory essays, material making assignments and observation reports. Students will also prepare six typed albums in the different areas – Theory, Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Mathematics and Culture. Students will need to do four to six hours of organised work at home every day in order to complete all assignments.

Email, Internet and Scanning

Students will need regular access to email and the internet throughout the course. All assignments will need to be submitted electronically. Students will be required to scan and upload their work.

Language

All lectures will be in English. Course work will need to be presented in English both orally and in writing. It will be necessary for students to take comprehensive lecture notes and write original essays and prepare assignments based on course information. Students will also be required to explain theoretical principles during the Oral examination.

Attendance

Students must have 90% attendance for each aspect of the course including time taken off due to illness. Attendance records will be meticulously maintained throughout the year. In case of absence, students should notify the Director of Training in writing, at least one day in advance. In case of illness the student should inform the training centre by phone or email immediately.

Examinations

At the end of the course, students will take two written examinations. Paper A will be on child psychology and Montessori principles on child development. Paper B will be on Montessori materials and their underpinning examination principles and the practical areas. The duration of each will be approximately 3 hours.

Students will also take oral examinations in each practical area. During the oral examination, the student will demonstrate the use of a material in each area and discuss with the examiner the underpinning principles. The duration of the oral examinations will be approximately 3 hours.

Diploma

The AMI diploma is awarded by the Association Montessori Internationale. It qualifies the holder to work with children in a Montessori environment between 3 and 6 years of age. The AMI Primary diploma is a highly valued qualification. It is a great asset to those who wish to open their own schools.

Eligibility

To be considered eligible for admission candidates should have the following:

• A Bachelor’s degree
• A sound knowledge of English
• To have completed the age of 20
• Excellent computer skills and internet access

We welcome candidates from all walks of life and different professions. Occasionally we do consider applicants who do not have a Bachelor’s degree based on their life experience.

Fees

Books and Stationery Budget

It is advisable for students to acquire the Montessori books in the Required Reading list. The students may also have to acquire stationery for the course, for course submissions and the creation of Albums. The cost will vary depending on the choices made. We would like to emphasise that this is a budget and that it is only an approximate guide. The training course neither recommends nor endorses particular stationery products. Students are advised to budget for books and materials for the duration of the course as follows.

Books and Reading

To prepare for the Diploma course and for working in a Montessori environment it is good practice to read around the subject. The following list of books is provided to help you begin this process. Some of these books will be made available in the student library.

Required Reading

• Montessori, Maria Citizen of the World Montessori-Pierson Publishing Company
• Montessori, Maria Education and Peace Indian Montessori Foundation
• Montessori, Maria Education for a New World Indian Montessori Foundation
• Montessori, Maria From Childhood to Adolescence Indian Montessori Foundation
• Montessori, Maria The Absorbent Mind Indian Montessori Foundation
• Montessori, Maria The Age of Miracles Indian Montessori Foundation
• Montessori, Maria The Child in the Family Indian Montessori Foundation
• Montessori, Maria The Discovery of the Child Indian Montessori Foundation
• Montessori, Maria The Formation of Man Indian Montessori Foundation
• Montessori, Maria The Secret of Childhood Orient Blackswan, Chennai

Recommended Reading

• Joosten, A. M. Foundations of Montessori Pedagogy Indian Montessori Foundation
• Montessori, Maria To Educate the Human Potential Indian Montessori Foundation
• Montessori, Maria What You Should Know About Your Child Indian Montessori Foundation
• Montessori, Mario Jr., Education for Human Development Montessori-Pierson Publishing Company