{"id":77340,"date":"2026-06-24T13:44:09","date_gmt":"2026-06-24T13:44:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/totara.com\/customer-stories\/delivering-blended-learning-at-scale-the-montessori-approach-with-totara-and-buildempire\/"},"modified":"2026-06-24T14:13:47","modified_gmt":"2026-06-24T14:13:47","slug":"delivering-blended-learning-at-scale-the-montessori-approach-with-totara-and-buildempire","status":"publish","type":"customer-story","link":"https:\/\/totara.com\/us\/customer-stories\/delivering-blended-learning-at-scale-the-montessori-approach-with-totara-and-buildempire\/","title":{"rendered":"Delivering blended learning at scale: The Montessori approach with Totara and BuildEmpire"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n

Montessori Global Education<\/strong><\/a>, a global leader in Montessori learning, aimed to create a truly holistic online learning experience for a diverse international audience.<\/p>\n

Their previous platform constrained their innovation, learner engagement, and peer collaboration. Through their partnership with BuildEmpire<\/a><\/strong>, they transformed online learning into a dynamic, learner-centred, blended environment that reflects the Montessori philosophy at every stage.<\/p>\n

The Challenge<\/h2>\n

Before BuildEmpire, Montessori Global Education operated in a college-style format, combining face-to-face sessions with some online learning.<\/p>\n

The existing LMS largely mirrored classroom-based teacher training<\/strong>: it connected learners and provided access to digital content, but its limited functionality no longer supported the organisation\u2019s vision.<\/p>\n

Learners experienced a largely passive, linear journey with minimal opportunities for reflection, collaboration, or personalised learning.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The platform also lacked the flexibility<\/strong> to deliver blended learning at scale, with limited support for synchronous and asynchronous integration, multi-tenancy, and centralised quality assurance.<\/p>\n

With a global learner base spanning multiple continents, there was a critical need for a system that could adapt to different cultural contexts, learning styles, and levels of engagement, while maintaining a consistent, high-quality Montessori experience.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n

\n
Historically, learning strategies for online provision have recognised themselves as a strategy to learn online rather than a learning strategy that necessarily suits the individual\u2026 That was the vision that we all shared going forward.\n<\/blockquote>\n
\n
\n Karen, CEO,<\/strong>\n
\n Montessori Global Education <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n\n\n
\n

The Solution<\/h2>\n

Montessori Global Education partnered with BuildEmpire to create a platform that could deliver a truly transformative blended learning experience.\"Montessori<\/p>\n

The solution centred on four pillars:<\/h3>\n

1. Seamless integration of asynchronous and synchronous learning<\/strong><\/h4>\n
    \n
  • Learners access self-paced theoretical modules that allow them to digest content at their own speed.<\/li>\n
  • Live interactive seminars and workshops provide opportunities to apply theory in practice, engage in reflection, and discuss ideas with peers and tutors globally.<\/li>\n
  • This \u201cflipped classroom\u201d approach ensures that learning is active, participatory, and aligned with Montessori pedagogy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    2. Empowered peer-to-peer collaboration<\/strong><\/h4>\n
      \n
    • Learners upload work, provide assessments, and participate in forums for global peer feedback.<\/li>\n
    • Forums create a safe, inclusive space where learners can share challenges and insights without fear of judgment, fostering connection and confidence.<\/li>\n
    • This approach transforms learners from passive recipients to active contributors, strengthening engagement and knowledge retention.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      \"Montessori<\/p>\n

      3. Learner-centric flexibility<\/strong><\/h4>\n
        \n
      • \"MontessoriPersonalised learning paths allow learners to choose the resources, pace, and focus areas that suit their individual journey.<\/li>\n
      • Interactive multimedia resources provide multiple avenues for engagement, catering to different learning styles and making the experience inclusive for a global audience.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        4. Holistic online montessori environment<\/strong><\/h4>\n
          \n
        • The platform supports multi-tenancy and centralised oversight, enabling quality assurance while allowing local contextualization for cultural relevance.<\/li>\n
        • Learners describe the environment as feeling like \u201chome\u201d, with all necessary resources at their fingertips and the ability to connect meaningfully with peers worldwide.<\/li>\n
        • The platform integrates reflection, collaboration, and active participation, creating a holistic experience that mirrors the Montessori philosophy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          \n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n

          \n
          Blended learning now feels like coming home. Everything a learner needs is at their fingertips, and they can connect with others around the world.\n<\/blockquote>\n
          \n
          \n Andrea,<\/strong>\n
          \n Montessori Global Education <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n\n\n
          \n

          The Results<\/h2>\n

          Transformative learner experience:<\/strong> Learners are actively engaged, reflective, and empowered throughout their journey.<\/p>\n

          Global collaboration:<\/strong> Learners connect meaningfully across continents, sharing knowledge, experiences, and best practices.<\/p>\n

          Scalable and sustainable growth:<\/strong> The platform supports expansion of courses, qualifications, and programs globally, without compromising quality or learner-centeredness.<\/p>\n

          Recognition and engagement:<\/strong> Feedback confirms learners feel supported, included, and inspired, resulting in high engagement and satisfaction.<\/p>\n

          Additional stats:<\/strong><\/p>\n

          Holistic blended learning at scale<\/strong><\/p>\n

          Supporting learners worldwide through a reflective, interactive approach with nearly 4000 users.<\/p>\n

          Global delivery with local relevance<\/strong><\/p>\n

          Secure, scalable access across countries, centres, and regions with over 22 countries.<\/p>\n

          Learner-centred experiences<\/strong><\/p>\n

          Flexible, reflective journeys aligned with Montessori philosophy. 1000s of course enrolments and seminars sign-ups.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n

          \n
          We chose BuildEmpire for their partnership and commitment – the impact has been phenomenal.\n<\/blockquote>\n
          \n
          \n Preeti Patel,<\/strong>\n
          \n Director of Programmes at Montessori Education <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n\n\n
          \n
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