This course will show how the Montessori Method fosters the development of the child's conceptual faculty. Dr. Berliner will identify Montessori's unique achievement, contrasting Montessori with anti-cognitive views dominating philosophy and education. Mrs. Locke will show how the Method helps develop the child's mind, describing the Method's main components: dealing in essentials, using "materialzed abstractions," and fostering self-discipline and the capacity to make intelligent choices. Examples of Montessori materials will be used to demonstrate the points.