Abstract

Maria Montessori is recognized as one of the most significant figures of twentieth century education. Having received medical training, she met disabled children during her studies and focused on their education. Believing that disabled children might be educated through appropriate approaches, she developed her own educational materials by analysing Itart and Seguin’s studies on disabled children. Having focused on material presentation and an educational setting that addresses the needs of disabled children, attracts their attention and motivates them, Montessori practiced her materials with disabled children and worked systematically by modifying these materials according to their needs. She realized as a result of her studies that disabled children improved much beyond her expectations. Having developed the educational method which she gave her own name, Montessori turned the direction of her studies to education of normally developing children due to conditions of her time; however, the fact that she is one of the first special educators is recognized by researchers. Basic principles of Montessori education metod entered special education curriculum including individualized education, progress of children at their own pace and usage of sensory-based materials. Montessori education metod is still being used in our country and around the world. It is used in our country for education of normally developing children while literature review reveals that it is used abroad in education of children with special needs as well. Autism, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, learning challenges, physical disability, hearing disorders are among the disability groups for whose education Montessori Method is used. This study deals with Montessori education metod in the context of special education, analyzing its useability in various disability groups. The study is expected to fill the gap in domestic literature and provide it a new insight.