An analysis of the impact Montessori-based individualized education program has on the problem-solving skills of children who need special education

The study investigates the impact of the Montessori-based individualized education program on the problem-solving skills of children who need special education. The study group consists of five children from the 4-7 age group, three of which have pervasive development disorder, and two, mental deficiency. The children attend Kayseri Melikgazi Special Education and Rehabilitation Center. The study employed a mixed research model, with an experimental pattern based on a single group employed in pre-test and post-test, without any control group,whereby the participants were subjected to the Montessori-based Individualized Education Program for 12 weeks. The data collection tool used in the study was the Problem Solving Skills Scale (PÇBÖ) 4-7 age group form, developed by Aydoğan, Ömeroğlu, Büyüköztürk and Özyürek (2012), and applied during the pre-test and the post-test, Child Observation Form and along with the Personal Information Sheet. Data analysis employed the wilcoxon signed rank test. The study led to the observation that a significant difference existed between the pre-test and post-test scores pertaining to the children with which the Montessori-based Individualized Education Program was implemented, along with perceived improvements in the children's self-care abilities, language and speaking skills, psycho-motor skills, and attention span for activity.