Education Commons^™

Help Me Help Myself: The Role Of Helper Flags As Tools For Self-Regulation, Lara G. Bergman

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

Abstract The purpose of this action research was to determine if using flags, created as tools for signaling for help, was an effective way to develop persistence and encourage children to complete their chosen work. The study was conducted in a preschool classroom at a private Montessori school. Participants included 15 children aged three to five and three teachers. Data was collected in the form of student interviews, tallies, and observations made during the period of research. The results indicated that the helper flags increased the children’s persistence with their work and increased the likelihood they would complete their chosen …

The Effects Of Creating Self-Assessed Work Portfolios On Student Learning Engagement In An Upper Elementary Montessori Classroom, Suzanne Clement Thorne

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

Self-Assessed Portfolios for Student Engagement in Learning Abstract The purpose of the research was to find whether the creation of self-assessed student work portfolios would be effective in engaging students in learning opportunities and lead to self-regulated behaviors. The research project was conducted in an upper elementary classroom. The class consists of twenty-three grade four to grade six Montessori students in a private school. Ten students have had a Montessori education starting in preschool, eight students started in grade three, two were held back a year, two students started in grade four, and two students started in grade six. Fifty-two …

Writer’S Workshop And Technology, Stephanie Pullman

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

Abstract The intent of this research was to determine what effect an increased use of technology, (meaning word processing, digital tools and use of websites) in Writer’s Workshop assignments would have on the quality of writing, engagement and enthusiasm for writing. A writer’s workshop is meant to expose students to the different genres and styles of writing. It is taught in a workshop format where there is a mini-lesson about a particular topic, time for the students to write independently and to receive feedback from both the teacher and peers. The research study took place at a private Montessori School …

The Impact Of Weekly Math Tests And Strategy Instruction On Math Fluency, Anna Garnaas-Halvorson

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

Abstract A significant number of students enter the Elementary II years (Grades 4-6) without basic math fact fluency skills. This means teachers feel they need to revisit these skills and re-teach. This study tackles this concern by exploring the question of whether weekly math fact tests paired with teaching math strategies and individual goal-setting will have an effect on children’s ability to recall basic math facts accurately and efficiently. The study was performed in an Elementary I public Montessori classroom for grades one through three. The classroom community consisted of 25 students with varying strengths and abilities. Nine of the …

The Effects Of A Book Club On Montessori And Parent Education, Stevie A. Harrison

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

Abstract This study was implemented to research the effects of parent education and parents understanding of Montessori, in the form of a parent book club. The aim of this action research project was to improve parents understanding of the basic concepts of the Montessori Method with the goal to persuade parents to keep their students in a Montessori environment as long as possible. This study was conducted in a small private Montessori school. All participants had children that were enrolled in the Montessori school. Data collection was gathered using a pre/post survey, self-assessment surveys, videotaping of the book club sessions, …

Decreasing Off-Task Behaviors In An Elementary Classroom, Celia Bradley

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

Abstract The purpose of the research was to find which interventions (cognitive, humanistic, behavioral, social) are most effective in decreasing off-task behaviors in an elementary classroom. The research project took place in an upper elementary classroom. The class consists of sixteen fourth through sixth grade Montessori students in a public school setting. Fifty percent of these students are new to Montessori education. Twenty-five percent of the class is special needs students. The four sources of data used in this research included observation forms, self-assessment forms, a story-evaluation form, and class revision of community rules. The results showed a decrease in …

Use Of Yoga To Alleviate Stress In Toddler Group Care Programs, Caitlin J. Jalalat

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

Abstract

Each year children enter into group childcare settings. This is both a necessity for working parents and can be a great introduction to their first group education program. Along with the positive aspects of group care come some negatives. Toddlers show signs of stress such as crying at drop off that can last from a moment to many hours during the day. Toddlers can be very social but must learn how to navigate these social interactions by sharing, taking turns, waiting for materials to become available, and receiving less individual attention from a single caregiver. In this Action Research …

The Effects Of Relationship-Driven Classroom Management, Lisa M. Laasch

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

Abstract This study was initiated to determine the effects of relationship-driven classroom management on positive behaviors in the lower elementary classroom. The research was conducted in a rural public Montessori school. Students were carefully observed to determine behavioral norms. Next, they were invited to participate in a survey to establish their current perception of positive relationships within their school and particularly with myself as a guide. Subsequently, I conducted a family survey, recorded daily observation of positive behaviors, and collected samples of student work during the research period. Finally, I re-administered the students survey to determine if they believed their …

Authentic Montessori Math Assessment And Common Core, Melanie Driskill

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

Abstract The intent of my project was to examine the way I assess my students’ math in my 9-12 Montessori classroom given the new Common Core standards. The study involved six students, varying ages 9-11, in a public school setting. Data collection methods included pre- and post- assessments, observations, written responses to Webb’s Depth of Knowledge (DOK), and a brief questionnaire about the attitudes toward the various types of assessment (See Appendix A). The results of the data analysis showed an average increase of 84% in grade level achievement after practicing with the DOK, as well as an improved student …