Panel: DIDACTICAL APPROACHES TO ENHANCE LEARNING INTO INCLUSION AND EQUALITY IN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION



62.1 - RELIGIOUS EDUCATION WITHIN THE MONTESSORI METHOD

AUTHORS:
Kielian A. (The Pontifical University of John Paul II in Krakow ~ Krakow ~ Poland)
Text:
Religious education in modern educational settings is undergoing significant transformation in response to shifting societal norms that call for greater inclusion and equity. In Poland, a country with a strong Catholic tradition and rapidly evolving cultural demographics, the integration of religious education with progressive pedagogical practices has become both challenging and promising. Montessori schools in Poland have increasingly risen to the challenge of aligning their curriculum with inclusive principles, providing religious education that respects traditional values while responding to demands for equality and diverse representation. The presentation first examines the wider theoretical context of religious education from a Montessori perspective. It then investigates the specific contributions of Maria Montessori and Sofia Cavaletti, two pioneers whose ideas continue to shape inclusive pedagogies. By exploring the interplay of pedagogical theory and practice in Polish Montessori schools, the discussion will aim to uncover pathways to more equitable religious education, which could serve as a model for contemporary educational reforms in other contexts. The presentation will be based on the Polish context as a case study for a broader investigation of the Montessori method as a didactic tool for shaping a more inclusive approach to religious education.