Typing as a Practical Life Skill to Improve Writing Efficacy in the Secondary Montessori Classroom
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Date
2017-11-14Author
Richardson, Anne
Advisor(s)
Miller, Michael
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Show full item recordAbstract
In a world where typing is still the main form of electronic communication, students at an
urban Montessori public middle school do not receive formal typing training. This study was
designed to examine the effects of online typing classes as a practical life exercise in the
Montessori secondary classroom on writing quality, quantity, and self-efficacy. First the
students took a survey to determine their behavior toward writing and their typing speed in
Words per Minute (WPM). Then they signed up for an online typing course through which the
action researcher could analyze each student’s progress. Students were able to practice their
typing skills as one of their choices during the work cycle. After 4 weeks, the researcher
administered another survey to determine changes in WPM and attitudes toward writing and
typing. Results showed that most students improved their writing quantity and displayed
positive writing behaviors because of their gained knowledge on the keyboard. Additionally,
students who struggled to work without the help or supervision of a teacher showed growth
toward independent learning.