Problem-Solving abilities and teaching methods: the Montessori Method and the traditional teaching in question

Abstract

High levels of problem-solving skills are key to success in the school system, and the Montessori Method (MM) aims to develop them. Thus, problem-solving abilities of students taught in traditional schools and with the MM were compared, considering, in the latter case, two configurations regarding implementation fidelity (Classic Montessori or Supplementary Montessori). Associations were also made between these abilities and demographic (sex) and educational (grade and grade retention) variables. A sample (N = 91) of fourth and fifth graders from four schools using MM and traditional schools participated in the research. The Problem-Solving Scales were used, which provided two scores: Problem-Solving Skills (PSS) and Problem Orientation (PO). No statistically significant differences were found between students in traditional schools and Montessori schools in both PSS and PO. The later was also not associated with the demographic and educational variables investigated. When classifying the PSS scores in levels (high, medium and low), a higher concentration of female students were identified in the medium level. The results allow to infer that it is not enough to affirm based in ideology that the school develops problem-solving skills. It is necessary to plan and implement pedagogical propositions that, in fact, develop students’ problem-solving skills and not only consider them prerequisites for the learning process.