The role of educators is then less of direct teaching, but to scaffold learning and encourage social interactions. High quality interactions are crucial for effective pedagogy. Focusing too much on academic skills may actually inhibit a child’s development – replacing the power of emotions and hands-on activities as a development force.
Respectfully engages the Learner, recognising that their role is not so much to teach as to inspire, mentor, and facilitate the learning process. The real work of learning belongs to the individual child, therefore the Montessori educator remains conscious of his/her role in helping each child to fulfil his/her potential as a human being and of creating an environment for learning within which children will feel safe, cherished, and empowered.