Application of Montessori Method in Developing Reading Skill

Abstract

This thesis entitled 'Application of Montessori Methods in Developing Reading Skill' attempts to find out the ways that the reading skill is developed in the Montessori methods of teaching the young learners. The data collection was carried out in Kathmandu from the Montessori schools. The main objectives of this research work were to find out the use of Montessori method in developing reading and to identify and classify the materials used in it. The data were collected from five Montessori schools. Bina's Ketaketibari, Scholar's Home Academy, Mother Goose School, Phoneix International Academy and Creative Academy School, from each school taking two teachers selected on the basis of judgemental sampling basis. A set of questionnaire was developed and distributed to those teachers. Their classes were also observed and recorded as indicated on observation checklist. From this, the researcher found that the Montessori method trained teachers teaching in those schools, used the audio-visual materials for developing reading skills. One of the highly followed techniques for developing reading was the phonic method. The highly used techniques for developing reading were: repetition, recitation, field-work and picture description. The findings are listed on the basis of replies from the questionnaire and observation checklists.

This thesis includes four chapters. The first chapter deals with introduction, review of related literature, objectives of the study, significance of the study. The second chapter deals with methodology that includes the sources of data, the sampling procedure, sampling population, the data collection procedure, the tools for data collection, and limitation of the study. The third chapter deals with the analysis and interpretation of the data and finally, the fourth chapter deals with the findings and recommendations and pedagogical implications.