Piloting the Measure of Montessori Implementation Observation Tool for Early Childhood Classrooms

• In Event: Montessori Environments and Their Impact

Abstract

This paper summarizes the initial psychometric results from a pilot study of the Measure of Montessori Implementation – Early Childhood (MMI-EC). Fidelity measurement is an important aspect of quality educational research and evaluation, and the need for high quality research in Montessori classrooms is expanding. The MMI-EC is a classroom observation tool involving a 45 minute live classroom observation period as well as documentation of classroom characteristics. The live observation consists of 5-minute time samples of teacher activity and the materials students are engaged with. These initial results suggest that the MMI-EC holds promise for reliably measuring Montessori practices. This study represents a first step in the development of an efficient, psychometrically sound assessment of Montessori fidelity.  

Authors

• Angela Murray, University of Kansas

• Carolyn Jean Daoust, University of Kansas

• Heather E. Gerker, University of Cincinnati

• Amelia Murray, University of Kansas

• Joyce Wang, University of Kansas