Investigating the effect of Montessori method on learning the concepts of math and improving communication skills in mentally retarded students

Background and Purpose: Mental retardation is one of the most common mental disabilities that accounts for about 3% of the world's population. This children have educational and communication problems. Identifying their problems and related factors and considering educational interventions can be useful in supporting and guiding these children and their families.. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Montessori Method learning on learning math concepts and improving communication skills in mentally retarded students. The research is applied in a practical way and based on the nature and method of data collection, it is a quasi-experimental type. The statistical population of the study consisted of all mentally retarded students of the Lordegan Educational Centers, which were by the available method ,selected a10-member class as the experimental group and a 10-member class for the control group. Finally, the Montessori method was performed on the students of the experimental group for three months and the control group was exposed to traditional education. Data collection tools in this study were a researcher-made mathematical skill test and Barton's Communication Skills Questionnaire (1990). Findings: The results of covariance analysis indicated that Montevere method has significant effect on the learning of math concepts (p <0/002) and communication skills development (p <0/001) in students with mental retardation. Marie Montessori 's teaching has a positive impact on the learning of math concepts and the development of communication skills in mentally retarded children.