The prime objective of this
research was to investigate whether the Montessori method of learning helped kindergarten pupils
improve their mathematical proficiency, critical thinking and problem-solving skills,
besides training them to be responsible
learners. Quantitative, qualitative,
and observational methods were employed in the
investigation. The sample for the study comprised 180 kindergarten pupils from TadikaBestari Al-Hidayah,located in Bandar Seri Damansara, Malaysia. The
instruments for collecting data were questionnaires, interviews, and field
observations. Results from a pre-test and a post-test showed that pupils who
used the Montessori method, i.e. the
experimental group, outperformed (72.2% passed) their peers who were not
exposed to the Montessori method (39% passed). The findings indicated that
the Montessori method indeed helped learners to
improve their mathematical proficiency. This research offers guidelines to
future researchers on alternative learning methods, especially for very young
children. The findings of this empirical research could be prototyped for
learning other subjects.
Cite this paper
Faryadi, Q. (2017). The Application of Montessori Method in Learning Mathematics: An Experimental Research. Open Access Library Journal, 4, e4140. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/oalib.1104140.
Torelli, J.N., Lloyd, B.P., Diekman, C.A. and Wehby, J.H. (2017) Teaching Stimulus Control via Class-Wide Multiple Schedules of Reinforcement in Public Elementary School Classrooms. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 19, 14-25. https://doi.org/10.1177/1098300716632878
McKenzie, G.K. and Zascavage, V.S. (2012) Montessori Instruction: A Model for Inclusion in Early Childhood Classrooms and beyond, Montessori Life: A Publication of the American Montessori Society, 24, 32-38.
Huxel, A.C. (2013) Authentic Montessori: The Teacher Makes the Difference. Montessori Life: A Publication of the American Montessori Society, 25, 32-34.
Faryadi, Q. and Zainab, H. (2008) Determining a Theoretical and an Empirical Based Interactive Multimedia Arabic Language Courseware to Teach Arabic as a Foreign Language. Proceedings of Knowledge Management International Conference, Langkawi, 75-80.
Bahmaee, A.B., Saadatmand, Z. and Yarmohammadian, M.H. (2016) Principle Elements of Curriculum in the Preschool Pattern of Montessori. International Education Studies, 9, 148-153. https://doi.org/10.5539/ies.v9n1p148
Rajan, R.S. (2017) Music Education in Montessori: An Exploratory Study of School Directors’ Perceptions in the United States. International Journal of Music Education, 35, 227-238. https://doi.org/10.1177/0255761416659508
Bower, B. (2006) Montessori Learning Aid: Alternative School Shows Impact on Poor Children. Science News, 170, 212-213. https://doi.org/10.2307/4017446
Alonazi, S.M. (2017) The Role of Teachers in Promoting Learner Autonomy in Secondary Schools in Saudi Arabia. English Language Teaching, 10, 183-202. https://doi.org/10.5539/elt.v10n7p183
Rathundi, K. and Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2005) Middle School Student’s Motivation and Quality of Experience: A Comparison of Montessori and Traditional School Environments. American Journal of Education, 111, 341.
Belova, N., Eilks, I. and Feierabend, T. (2015) The Evaluation of Role-Playing in the Context of Teaching Climate Change. International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 13, 165-190.
Brostrom, S. (2017) A Dynamic Learning Concept in Early Years’ Education: A Possible Way to Prevent Schoolification. International Journal of Early Years Education, 25, 3-15.
Chipangura, A. and Aldridge, J. (2017) Impact of Multimedia on Students’ Perceptions of the Learning Environment in Mathematics Classrooms. Learning Environments Research, 20, 121-138.
Humphries, T., Wright, M., McDougall, B. and Verites, J. (1990) The Efficacy of Sensory Integration Therapy for Children with Learning Disability. Physical and Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics, 10, 1-17.
Kratzig, G., Arbuthnott, P. and Katherine, D. (2006) Perceptual Learning Style and Learning Proficiency: A Test of the Hypothesis. Journal of Education Psychology, 98, 238-248.
Wu, T.-J. and Tai, Y.-N. (2016) Effects of Multimedia Information Technology Integrated Multi-Sensory Instruction on Students’ Learning Motivation and Outcome. EURASIA Journal of Mathematics, Science & Technology Education, 12, 1065-1074.