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In Montessori education, '''Concentration''' refers to the child's ability to focus attention on a task for an extended period, which Maria Montessori believed is crucial for learning and mastery.<ref>Montessori, M. (1949). The Absorbent Mind. Clio Press.</ref> Inspired by the work of American psychologist William James, Montessori aimed to create learning environments that facilitate and enhance the child's natural capacity for concentration.

== Montessori Quotes ==

*"The first essential for the child's development is concentration. The child who concentrates is immensely happy."<ref>Montessori, M. (1949). The Absorbent Mind. Clio Press.</ref>

*"The child's development follows a path of successive stages of independence, and our knowledge of this must guide us in our behaviour towards him."<ref>Montessori, M. (1949). The Absorbent Mind. Clio Press.</ref>

== Research and Critiques ==

*'''Pros''': Montessori's emphasis on fostering concentration can lead to greater mastery of skills and independent learning. Research has shown Montessori students often display high levels of sustained attention and self-regulation.<ref>Lillard, A. (2017). Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius. Oxford University Press.</ref>

*'''Cons''': Critics argue that this focus on concentration may not adequately cater to children with different learning styles or those who may thrive in more collaborative, less individual-focused environments.<ref>Egan, K. (2002). Getting it wrong from the beginning: Our progressivist inheritance from Herbert Spencer, John Dewey, and Jean Piaget. Yale University Press.</ref>

== Comparisons to Other Methods ==

Montessori's emphasis on concentration contrasts with traditional educational methods that often promote shorter, more varied activities. In traditional classrooms, lessons are usually segmented and time-bound, while Montessori encourages deep, prolonged engagement with tasks.<ref>Mooney, C. (2013). Theories of Childhood, Second Edition: An Introduction to Dewey, Montessori, Erikson, Piaget & Vygotsky. Redleaf Press.</ref>

== See Also ==

*[[Montessori Method]]
*[[Prepared Environment (Montessori)]]
*[[Sensitive Periods (Montessori)]]

{{Glossary of Montessori Terms}}

== References ==

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