The effect of Montessori approach-based STEM activities on academic self-esteem of preschool students

In this study, the effect of Montessori approach-based STEM activities on preschool students' academic self-esteem was investigated. The research sample consists of a total of 63 preschool students studying in a kindergarten in a medium-sized province in the Eastern Anatolia region in the 2019-2020 academic year. The sequential explanatory mixed research design of the mixed method was used in the research. In the research, a single-group pretest-posttest design was created in order to determine the academic self-esteem of preschool students of Montessori approach-based STEM activities. The analysis of the quantitative data obtained during the research was made with statistical methods and the analysis of qualitative data was made with content analysis. In the study, the "Academic Self-Esteem" scale was used to collect quantitative data. "Semi-structured interview form" and "Ministry of National Education Preschool Education Program Development Observation Form" prepared by the researcher were used to collect qualitative data. During the implementation process, Montessori approach-based STEM activities were given to the students for 6 weeks. In the findings obtained as a result of the research; When the pre-test and post-test scores of the academic self-esteem scale were compared, it was found that there was a significant difference and their academic self-esteem improved. According to the data obtained from the development observation form, the activities of pre-school students; It has been determined that it has a positive effect on motor development, cognitive development, language development, social and emotional development and self-care skills. In addition, according to the teacher interview form, it was stated that the psychomotor skills of the preschool students improved, the students acted in a more balanced and coordinated manner, they could use the desired material with the desired quality and quality, they could remember previous information by concentrating, their communication with their peers improved, and their problem solving skills increased.