PREREQUISITES FOR THE CREATION OF THE CONCEPT SPACE EDUCATION IN THE PEDAGOGICAL SYSTEM OF M. MONTESSORI

Abstract

The article considers the prerequisites for the creation of the concept of «space education» in the pedagogical system of M. Montessori. The necessity of its introduction into the work practice of preschool institutions of Ukraine is argued. The 21st century education paradigm is aimed at finding such an education system that would teach a person to live and act in accordance with the universal laws of Nature and the Cosmos. The versions of the researchers of the life and scientific work of the Italian teacher are presented regarding the time frame of the appearance of the term «space education», the formation and generalization of the material, which took shape in a separate educational course. The meaning of the concept of «space education» is revealed. It was found out that the work on the formation of the theory took place in stages and lasted for a long time. The influence of the Indian period of M. Montessori's life on the formation of her philosophical and pedagogical views in the last years of her life was studied. The closeness of the ideas and worldview of M. Montessori with the representatives of the Indian intelligentsia of those times – J. Arundale, A. Besant, M. Gandhi, J. Nehru, R. Tagore is traced. They admired her method, were like-minded and belonged to the Theosophical Society, which, as it turned out, actively helped M. Montessori during his stay in India. Attention is focused on a detailed analysis of the philosophical and pedagogical views of A. Besant, M. Gandhi, and R. Tagore. Three conditions are named that contributed to the creation of the concept of «space education» during his stay in India. The indisputable role of Mario Montessori's son and Lena Wickramaratne's student in creating a class of children of various ages (6-12 years old), selection and production of didactic materials, implementation of Maria Montessori's theory of «space education» in practice is emphasized. The publication outlines a topic that needs further research.