Date of Award
5-2023
Document Type
Action Research Project
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Education
Department
Education, Montessori
First Advisor
Annie Rebori
Department/School
Montessori Early Childhood
Abstract
The study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of role-play as a means of enhancing the social skills of preschool students in a Montessori setting. A total of 37 children between the ages of two and a half to six years who participated in a five week study. The interventions were conducted once a week for four weeks, during which children took turns participating in simulated scenarios that mirrored their everyday experiences. After the role-play presentation, assessments and group discussions were conducted to evaluate the children's comprehension. The research data was gathered before, during and after the interventions. The researcher used checklists and observation records to document the number and details of conflicts, as well as the children's behavior and conflict resolution skills. The study revealed a decrease in both the frequency of conflicts and the level of aggression, indicating the effectiveness of role-play in cultivating social skills in children. However, the study also indicated the need for further research and extended observation to support new and younger children in adapting to the environment and to keep track of how effectively children internalize and sustain the skills they have acquired.
Recommended Citation
Pan, Qi. (2023). The effectiveness of roleplaying in teaching preschoolers social skills. Retrieved from Sophia, the St. Catherine University repository website: https://sophia.stkate.edu/maed/500