Action Research as a Method of Enhancing Instructional Skills of Montessori Early Education Teachers

• In Event: 52.054 - Action Research and Teaching: Preservice and in Context

Abstract

The need for educators to have the skills for conducting action research in their own classrooms to improve instruction has been extensively documented and discussed in educational literature. This study reports perceptions of fifteen Montessori Teachers who completed a M.Ed., in Curriculum and Instruction- Montessori Education. The study reports how action research supports their current profession as Montessori teachers. Participants completed a survey and participated in semi-structured interviews to assess their perceptions of how action research is being utilized in their classrooms and how it has/not improved their teaching practice as Montessori teachers. The findings indicate that Action Research is somewhat considered when teaching. The findings inform planning of action research graduate education courses for Montessori and regular classroom teachers.

Author

• Reyes L. Quezada, University of San Diego