Montessori- What is it all about? An parent education action research By Pauline Meert

Action Research Question How will a parent education program about Montessori principles affect parents’ perceptions about Montessori education and their interactions with their own child/ren? 12/1/2018 © St. Catherine University

© St. Catherine University Why? To find out the current level of support and understanding of Montessori To offer more knowledge on core Montessori principles To gather data about Montessori at GS 12/1/2018 © St. Catherine University

© St. Catherine University Implementation Surveys Begin and End Interviews New, Three-Year Cycle, Dual, Past, Traditional Workshops Pre and Post Tests 12/1/2018 © St. Catherine University

Data Highlights- Beginning Survey Taken by 43 parents Enrollment 56% enrolled in Montessori 9% had children in Montessori in the past 35% enrolled in Traditional Reasons for Enrollment 65% had requested Montessori 15% a spot was available 21% in Traditional 12/1/2018 © St. Catherine University

Data Highlights- Beginning Survey Familiarity with Montessori 30% very familiar 60% somewhat familiar 9% not familiar at all Notes Survey taken primarily by parents with children in Montessori Montessori is requested Some overall familiarly 12/1/2018 © St. Catherine University

Data Highlights- Beginning Survey Perceptions 12/1/2018 © St. Catherine University

Data Highlights- Beginning Survey Perceptions- Other “It’s great but make sure the child is progressing” “A wonderful method if implemented completely… not so great if combined with other teaching methods/styles” “Sometimes it cannot meet special learning styles” “It is strongly focused on academics (GOOD)” “Builds strong reading and math skills” “Very independent” “It fosters a child who is self-directed” “That the flexibility provided risks delaying children’s growth if you don’t have a strong teacher” 12/1/2018 © St. Catherine University

Data Highlights- Interviews New Hands-on, concentration, matches home philosophy Three Year Matches home philosophy, need for “all-in” mentality, cliques Dual Community, personalities, structure and freedom Past Independent, seamless transition, need for more information Traditional No spaces available, little knowledge, offers unique option 12/1/2018 © St. Catherine University

Data Highlights- Interviews What attracted them to Good Shepherd? 12/1/2018 © St. Catherine University

Data Highlights- Interviews Is there enough information/awareness? 12/1/2018 © St. Catherine University

Data Highlights- Workshops Attendance 12/1/2018 © St. Catherine University

Data Highlights- Workshops Tests Each workshop post test showed improvement in knowledge of Montessori concepts Feedback All participants either strongly agreed or agreed that they learned from the workshops and that it was relevant to them and their children. 12/1/2018 © St. Catherine University

Data Highlights- Ending Survey Taken by 13 parents Interest in future workshop 9 Yes 2 No 2 Depends on topics Positive feedback Helped understand the method and their child Offered tools for daily life Validated their choice Helped change their parenting style 12/1/2018 © St. Catherine University

Data Highlights- Ending Survey Topics for future workshops 12/1/2018 © St. Catherine University

© St. Catherine University Impact Good Shepherd Offer more education workshops Present more information to new and prospective families Present information to other teachers My Classroom Continue to offer information on Montessori education in weekly emails Offer more opportunities for observations 12/1/2018 © St. Catherine University

© St. Catherine University Verification Form Before leaving please fill out the verification form. Please scan it with the office copier and forward to my advisor. Thank you for your time. 12/1/2018 © St. Catherine University

© St. Catherine University Questions? Comments? 12/1/2018 © St. Catherine University