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The primary goal of this thesis is to provide an insight into Arab parents’ perspective regarding the Montessori Method of education as the programme of choice for their children. It will also determine both the extent of parents’ understanding of the Montessori principles and their perception of how these principles are carried out in the Montessori school. The study looks at the socio-economic factors and different important areas in the Montessori Method of education and management. It was done through an open-ended survey using a sample of 180 parents whose children are enrolled in Montessori schools selected from Montessori schools in several Arab countries. Those schools host parents with different Arab nationalities. Data was collected through a self- developed questionnaire that covered different aspects of the method; socio-economic factors, factors for enrolling children in Montessori school, Montessori philosophy, Montessori curriculum, values for future continuous education, and Montessori school management. Responses ranged from a principle being of (no importance) to (of great importance). Results suggest that Montessori parents are knowledgeable about Montessori’s values, principles and method; quality of education and staff professionalism with high emphasis on discipline through freedom, self- direct approach, calm aesthetic classrooms, respect of self and others, confidence, independence, self-identity self- discipline, bilingual programme, friendly welcoming atmosphere, highly skilled professional staff, learning for life goals and up-to-date education. There is no evidence Whether they themselves had Montessori experience through their early years of education. Statistically, middle-aged parents with high middle income and graduate certificates were the ones that scored the highest. Finding from this preliminary study provide a first glimpse insight into the perspective and beliefs of Montessori parents in the Arab world upon which future studies can be built. In addition, it might help new parents, administrators, Montessori trainers and teachers.
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