This is a detailed discussion of the two components of Montessori education: its basic philosophy and its method of teaching. The philosophy segment covers the history of the movement, and explains key concepts such as "planes of development," "sensitive periods," and the "prepared environment." Mrs. Locke then compares Montessori with traditional educational philosophy. The method segment shows how the child's conceptual faculty and, ultimately, intellectual independence, are developed through the use of materialized abstractions and attention to hierarchy, among other techniques. 

(Sections of this course were presented at prior conferences.)