Lifelong Learning Master's Degree in
AMI Montessori Guide for
Elementary Education (6-12 years)

The Master’s program combines theoretical classes and demonstrations with bibliographic studies, participatory sessions, active exploration, supervised practice sessions, material creation, observation, and teaching practice.

The theoretical classes provide a comprehensive overview of child psychology and development according to the Montessori system, with special emphasis on the psychological characteristics of children aged 6–12. Students consolidate their understanding of key concepts such as self-construction, planes of development, human tendencies, and practical aspects of managing a Montessori environment. These classes, discussions, and educational resources are essential for preparing students to communicate respectfully with children, adequately prepare the environment, and guide and protect the child in their process of self-construction.
At this stage, children need a broad curriculum with a global vision of the interconnection among all elements of the universe. The Montessori program offered to children of this age is Cosmic Education, in which different areas of knowledge are presented in an interdisciplinary manner (Geography, Biology, History, Geometry, Music, and Art). The lessons that form the essence of Montessori Elementary education are presented: the Five Great Lessons and the key lessons. Students learn to engage the child’s imagination and stimulate their reasoning mind through a combination of inspiring stories, practical materials, and self-directed activities designed to encourage exploration across all sciences and disciplines.
A significant part of the course is dedicated to acquiring in-depth knowledge of the concepts included in the activities and materials offered to children aged 6–12. Demonstrations will show techniques for presenting stories and materials across all academic disciplines. Students are expected to keep accurate records and practice in the prepared environment while creating personal albums that are complete, clear, and meaningful for future professional use.

Students will read, analyze, and discuss various lectures by Dr. Montessori and texts on child development. Throughout the course, readings and debates will be proposed on observations, academic content, and relevant aspects of educational practice.

Students will also work on designing and managing a complete prepared indoor environment and organizing outdoor activities, such as excursions and community engagement.

· Materials Manufacturing

Certain materials must be prepared and thoroughly understood as part of the course requirements. Students will create common materials and, in agreement with the Master’s director, select additional materials based on individual needs and priorities.

· Time for taking notes during demonstrations and theoretical classes.

Students must attend and actively participate in all Montessori pedagogy lessons and hands-on demonstrations with the materials.

· Face-to-face lessons

Some lessons will be in person, requiring 90% attendance to access exams and obtain the degree. These sessions take place in a specially prepared classroom equipped with all necessary infrastructure for individual and group work (cameras, projector, screen, audio system for translations, and computer support). Attendance at these classes (minimum 90%) is mandatory for taking written and oral examinations.

· Virtual and online classes:

At different times of the year, students will have recorded lessons to watch asynchronously via links sent by email. Students must view these lessons, take notes, and complete scripts provided on the Moodle platform. This task is autonomous, allowing students to choose their schedule. Once completed, documents must be uploaded to Moodle for review. Students should plan sufficient time for viewing, note-taking, adding images, and editing to maintain a sustainable schedule.
Additionally, synchronous sessions will be held on Mondays from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. CET. Before the first two summer modules, there will be a week of synchronous online classes, Monday to Friday, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. CET.

· Supervised practice

Supervised practice takes place during the face-to-face modules, allowing students to work with Montessori materials and apply theoretical concepts. This is the ideal time to refine skills, practice presentations, and collaborate with peers under the supervision of AMI-certified trainers. Students often role-play as children to perfect techniques and deepen their understanding of materials. Faculty members are available to answer questions and provide guidance to maximize this practical experience.
The Montessori model classroom used for these sessions is fully equipped with Montessori furniture and materials. Whenever possible, students are encouraged to extend practice hours, and the training center facilitates access to the classroom throughout the year during school hours.

· Observation and practice in Montessori schools

Observation and teaching practice are essential components of the course, enabling students to study child development in authentic Montessori environments under the supervision of AMI-certified guides. During observation, students witness children’s interactions with materials and peers. During teaching practice, they deliver lessons in real Montessori classrooms, gaining hands-on experience.

· Guidance, monitoring and personal assessment

A tutorial system is in place with weekly tasks, reviews, and personalized assessments to support each student in successfully completing the training and evaluation process.

· Final Master’s Thesis

The Final Master’s Thesis consists of a comprehensive assignment covering the entire course, including a report accompanied by nine final albums and the materials created. The report will outline the key characteristics of the Montessori approach and describe work in each area from an interdisciplinary perspective within the context of Cosmic Education. It will also include a reflection on the student’s personal transformation in light of Maria Montessori’s adult model. The thesis will feature a practical section applying Montessori principles in a real and meaningful context. This thesis is mandatory for obtaining the Master’s degree from the University of Girona and will be assessed after all other assignments have been approved by AMI. The final project may be completed individually or in groups.

Continuous evaluation

Students’ work is assessed continuously throughout the course. They receive ongoing guidance and support through personal contact with the teaching staff and communication mainly via email or the Moodle platform. Assignments are regularly reviewed, feedback is provided, and details are recorded for assessment.

During supervised practical work, which is carried out independently by the student, the teaching staff observe how the student works with the materials and are available to offer additional help if necessary. Individual tutorials are organized throughout the course to ensure the highest possible level of communication and collaboration. The staff assist students in staying organized and provide constructive feedback to help them improve efficiency, achieve learning objectives, and maintain a high standard throughout the program.

Final assessment

For the final assessment of the different subjects, firstly the completion of all course requisites will be evaluated, especially the attendance at 90% of lessons and supervised practice sessions, handing in of all work, albums, materials and the correct completion of observation and practical classes. On a second level, written and oral examinations will be assessed.

The written exam consists of two parts and takes place on three different days, in sessions of three hours each day. Students can choose the questions they want to answer from several options. The first day, the questions are about Montessori theory, while the second day and third day are about practical aspects of the curriculum areas. During the whole course, students carry out activities and do written exercises which serve as guidance for the written examination and the staff offer advice on where to concentrate their efforts. The oral examinations take place at the end of the course before an examining tribunal presided over by an external examiner nominated by the AMI.

The oral examinations are carried out on an individual basis and the student presents a lesson for each area. The lessons to be presented are decided by drawing lots and the students have a few minutes to prepare their lesson before the examination begins. At the end of the presentation, the examiner and the student have a conversation about the lesson, the materials used and the relation to the child’s development and the fundamental principles of the Montessori theory. The oral exam consists of three hours where every half hour the ability to make presentations and master the curriculum in the areas of geography, biology, history, language, mathematics and geometry is tested.

Once the examinations and the assessment of the other requirements have been completed, the official AMI assessment committee decides if the student is qualified or not to receive the official AMI diploma. When all the subjects have been approved, the Final Master’s Thesis will be assessed, this being essential for receiving the title of Master from the University. This assignment may be completed in group. The Final Master’s Thesis consists of a composite assignment covering the whole course in the form of a report and research on a Montessori-related topic.

The final day of the course is Graduation Day. In this ceremony students will receive the AMI Montessori Guide 6–12 years Diploma.

Students who have not completed the requirements to obtain the AMI diploma will have a maximum of one year to complete them.