EXAMINATION OF TURKISH PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS’ VIEWS ON THE MONTESSORI METHOD

Abstract

The current study aims to examine a group of Turkish primary school teachers’ views regarding the Montessori method, which is an alternative education model in primary schools. The research was designed as quantitative descriptive survey research and carried out with the participation of 71 primary school teachers working in public schools and private schools affiliated with the Ministry of National Education, where the Montessori method is applied. The findings indicate that the overall attitude towards the Montessori method is quite positive and teachers acknowledge their changing roles in student learning. However, the findings also indicate that parents’ negative attitudes or lack of familiarity with the Montessori method of teaching and former experiences in conventional models of schooling may hinder the adoption and functioning of the Montessori educational practices. The study contributes to the literature by presenting first-hand information from a group of Turkish teachers who have experimented with the Montessori model.