Volume 15

EFFECT OF MONTESSORI-BASED METHOD ON LITERACY SKILLS ACQUISITION OF YOUNG CHILDREN IN PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN OBAFEMI OWODE LOCAL GOVERNMENT

OSUNSANYA, Mariam Titilope

Abstract

Literacy skills are built in the early years. For young children, acquiring these skills may be affected by
challenges such as individual, environmental, or systemic challenges. To achieve the expected literacy skills, a method that considers their uniqueness and uses multisensory learning is required. This study examined the effect of the Montessori-based method on the literacy skill acquisition of young children. This study adopted a pre-test and post-test non-equivalent quasi-experimental research design. The study was conducted in two public schools in the Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria. It comprised 40 children in a lower basic primary school. Data were collected using the Literacy Skill Test. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while inferential statistics of analysis of covariance were used to answer the research hypothesis. The results indicated that pupils recorded an improvement in phonological awareness and reading with the use of the Montessori-based method. This study recommends that educators embrace the Montessori-based method and receive appropriate Montessori training to help young children develop appropriate literacy skills.

Keywords

Literacy Skills, Montessori-based method, Young Children, Phonological Awareness

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