Application of the Montessori method: case of a General Basic Education school

Abstract

Among the main pillars that make up the teaching-learning process is the method, which constitutes the path or guide by which students will carry out their training process. In spite of its importance, traditional methodological paradigms, which conceive the student as a passive subject, receiver and reproducer of information, are still prevalent today; consequently, it is imperative to seek methodological alternatives that dynamize the educational process. The purpose of the present study was to improve academic performance through the application of the Montessori method in third year students of General Basic Education of the Educational Unit December 10, academic period 2019 - 2020. The methodology used had a quantitative approach, quasi-experimental design of descriptive type, had as sample 35 students selected by convenience. The data collection techniques and instruments used were the pretest and posttest. As main results, low academic performance was diagnosed in all areas of knowledge (Mathematics, Language and Literature, Natural Sciences and Social Studies) with an average of 5.83 out of 10. During the application of the Montessori method, a percentage of overall progress of 33% was obtained and after the intervention proposal, 42% improvement was achieved. From the significant results, it is concluded that the Montessori method improves academic performance in all areas of knowledge in General Basic Education, and therefore, it should be applied more regularly in the teaching-learning process.