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Articles 121 - 150 of 169
Full-Text Articles in Education
Implementing Technology In The Primary Montessori Classroom, Mitzi R. Jones
Implementing Technology In The Primary Montessori Classroom, Mitzi R. Jones
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
TECHNOLOGY IN THE PRIMARY MONTESSORI CLASSROOM 2 Abstract The purpose of this research was to find out if implementing technology that parallels the Montessori language sequence would increase student engagement with literacy work. Would an increase in student interest facilitate the potential for them to meet the expected goals for alphabetic knowledge? This study was conducted in a primary Montessori classroom consisting of four year-old students identified as being “at risk” for school readiness. Prior to beginning the project, observations of student work with the language materials was conducted to create a log of lessons completed by each student. An …
Implementation Of Self-Regulation And Conflict Resolution Strategies Through Conscious Discipline In An Early Childhood Classroom, Alyssa F. Dapolito
Implementation Of Self-Regulation And Conflict Resolution Strategies Through Conscious Discipline In An Early Childhood Classroom, Alyssa F. Dapolito
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
CONSCIOUS DISCIPLINE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD 2 Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine if implementing Conscious Discipline® methods would improve self-regulation and conflict resolution strategies. The action research took place over six weeks in a Montessori classroom with 30 students ranging from 3-6 years old; however, the participants were eight specific four or five year old male students. Four data collection tools were used throughout the intervention; a pre and post intervention survey, a weekly behavioral observation, a student reflection, and an end-of-day self-reflection form. After analyzing the data, evidence showed improved behaviors. By implementing Conscious Discipline®, students …
The Effects Of Purposeful Work, Structured Play, And Leadership Meetings On Aggressive And Destructive Behaviors, Hannah R. Cohen
The Effects Of Purposeful Work, Structured Play, And Leadership Meetings On Aggressive And Destructive Behaviors, Hannah R. Cohen
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
The purpose of this research was to examine whether purposeful work, structured play, and student led leadership meetings would decrease aggressive and destructive behaviors occurring in a school’s outdoor spaces. This study incorporated student leadership meetings, structured games, and outdoor purposeful works. This seven-week study involved 30 children between the ages of 2.5 and six years in a private Montessori school in a suburban area. An analysis of results revealed that when new purposeful works were introduced aggressive behaviors would temporarily increase, then decrease for a two to three week period of time, and eventually return to the starting level.
Fostering Self-Sufficiency Through Problem-Solving, Elizabeth G. Hamilton
Fostering Self-Sufficiency Through Problem-Solving, Elizabeth G. Hamilton
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
“ What is this picture?” “This arrow is missing.” Montessori teachers hear these questions daily. These requests, while valid, often come at inopportune times, interrupting the adults work. This study aimed to see if children could gain independence through problem solving thus decreasing interruptions. 26 children and 4 adults were in this experiment. The intervention had two aspects. The first, a series of Grace and Courtesy lessons to help the children problem-solve common work related issues. The second was incorporation of a waiting necklace that the children would wear if they required an adult. Effectiveness was measured by evaluating the …
Peer Teaching And Social Interaction, Jacqueline A. Edman, Elsabet J. Roth
Peer Teaching And Social Interaction, Jacqueline A. Edman, Elsabet J. Roth
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
The purpose of this research was to determine the affect of peer teaching on the social and academic interactions of children in an early childhood setting. The research took place at a Montessori school with two classrooms containing 56 students ages three to six. The duration of the study was six weeks. During the study the data collected included number of peer interactions per week and overall number of children working at each half hour increment of the day. Data also included positive and negative behaviors during peer teaching interactions, and the children’s level of understanding during a peer presentation. …
The Effects Of Reading Fluency In The Elementary Montessori Classroom, Melissa R. Bullerman, Ashley M. Godinez
The Effects Of Reading Fluency In The Elementary Montessori Classroom, Melissa R. Bullerman, Ashley M. Godinez
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
READING FLUENCY IN ELEMENTARY Abstract The purpose of this research was to identify ways of improving reading fluency for elementary children in grades first through sixth. Children scoring below the 40th percentile on reading standardized test scores, determined our testing population. Four data collections tools were used, including a child-centered survey, a reading fluency rubric, teacher observations, and fluency graphs. The Read Naturally Program was used as the reading fluency intervention. Students made fluency progress in both the upper and lower elementary levels. This research highlights the importance of reading fluency interventions. Further research might focus on self reflection for …
Grace In The Face Of Conflict: Can Grace And Courtesy And Peace Curriculum Lessons Create A Peaceful Classroom?, Baer A. Hanusz-Rajkowski
Grace In The Face Of Conflict: Can Grace And Courtesy And Peace Curriculum Lessons Create A Peaceful Classroom?, Baer A. Hanusz-Rajkowski
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
GRACE IN THE FACE OF CONFLICT 2 Abstract The purpose of the study was to determine if consistent and purposeful Grace and Courtesy lessons would result in a decrease in student conflicts and disruptive behaviors. The study was conducted in a private Montessori school in Metropolitan NYC. The subjects were 21 Early Childhood (ages 3 to 6) students. Sources of data included a checklist of Grace and Courtesy lessons, a Zone Map to document places of conflicts/disturbances, and a Redirection/Incident journal documenting redirections and incidents by child, and the lessons given them. The conclusion was that there was not enough …
The Effects Of Meditative Activities For Primary-Aged Children, Vanessa I. Padua-Evans
The Effects Of Meditative Activities For Primary-Aged Children, Vanessa I. Padua-Evans
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
The purpose of this research was to optimize the development of the will, a level of self-regulation, and cognitive function of primary-aged children through the habitual use of designated meditative activities. Past research and studies relating to meditation, neuroscience, the sensory needs of children and human development have determined that age-appropriate meditation exercises with preschool children would foster the development of self-regulation (Schwatz, 2011; Semple, Lee & Rosa, Miller, 2009; Thompson & Raisor, 2013; Zelazo & Lyons 2011). This four week study integrated tangible meditation tools and outlets: a yoga mat, bolster, a booklet with pictures of four restorative yoga …
The Effects Of A Collaborative Team On Early Intervention In A Preschool, Tiffany L. James
The Effects Of A Collaborative Team On Early Intervention In A Preschool, Tiffany L. James
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
Abstract The purpose of this project was to see what effects collaboration had on early intervention in a preschool. Fourteen guides at a Montessori preschool in Texas were asked to complete a beginning survey, attend weekly collaborative meetings for seven weeks, attend a focus group and complete an ending survey. Data showed that collaboration helped the teachers feel more valued and supported when helping all kinds of different learners. For the purpose of this study, different learners included children with behavioral concerns, learning disabilities and support needs. Interventions ranged from activities or exercises for individual children to lessons given to …
Student Involvement In Gardens And Healthier Food Choices, Brittany Masters
Student Involvement In Gardens And Healthier Food Choices, Brittany Masters
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
This Action Research Project measured the correlation between extended gardening time and the amount of produce eaten by Montessori students. The project took place at a Montessori Preschool and Kindergarten in Southern California, at a school licensed for 75 children. Journals, pictures, and behavior logs of the children were taken each week. Food tallies were also collected the first and last weeks of the project. While the number of pieces of produce consumed by children did not increase in the four weeks, the amount of language and interaction in the garden and at lunchtime did. The conclusion is that extended …
Purposeful Movement In An Early Childhood Classroom, Dana H. Mccabe
Purposeful Movement In An Early Childhood Classroom, Dana H. Mccabe
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
The purpose of this action research was to determine the effects of physical activity through purposeful movement on behaviors and the ability to focus in a mixed-age Montessori Early Childhood classroom. The intervention took place over a period of six weeks in an independent school setting with 17 children ages 2.5 to 6. Data was collected using observation tallies and notes, a teacher journal, and interviews with the children. Results show some of the children’s behaviors were positively affected by the use of specific movement materials. Although there was not much change observed, the intervention appeared to help some children …
Valorization Of The Adolescent Personality, Maribeth Brown
Valorization Of The Adolescent Personality, Maribeth Brown
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
Abstract The aim of this research was to understand how out-of-classroom experiences, such as farm work and service work positively impacts the development of the Montessori adolescent student. The eleven characteristics of valorization, defined by John Long (2001) were used to evaluate how students progressed towards this goal of valorization in the Montessori adolescent program. Sixteen secondary students were exposed to “going out” experiences over a six-week period. Socratic seminar, peer, self and teacher observations and assessments were used to collect data, as well as daily evaluations of student behaviors related to valorization and a pre and post test self-esteem …
Mindfulness-Based Practice In An Elementary Classroom, Lauren M. Coiner
Mindfulness-Based Practice In An Elementary Classroom, Lauren M. Coiner
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
Abstract The purpose of this research was to teach children how to control and deepen their focus through mindfulness practice. The study integrated a daily practice of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) movements, breathing, and focus training. The six-‐week study involved fourteen children between the ages of 5 and 9 years from a private school in the Bay Area of California. Data collection included a pre-‐and post-‐ assessment for each child, daily observations, and parent observations. Results of the pre-‐and post-‐assessments revealed mixed opinions on the connection between deepened focus and mindfulness practice. Observation data showed an overall increase in …
T He Effects Of Work Journals, Portfolios, And Cosmic Education On Intrinsic Motivation In An Upper Elementary Montessori Environment, Heather R. Brown
T He Effects Of Work Journals, Portfolios, And Cosmic Education On Intrinsic Motivation In An Upper Elementary Montessori Environment, Heather R. Brown
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
The purpose of this research was to explore the effects of work journals, portfolios, and cosmic education on intrinsic motivation. The study was performed at a Montessori school in Indiana that serves children from birth through high school graduation. Thirtyfour learners in an upper elementary classroom participated in the study over the course of eight weeks. Data collection included two pre- and post-assessments, daily observations, and interviews with participants. Results of the pre- and post-assessments showed an overall decrease in both extrinsic and intrinsic motivation, although learners perceived their work as having greater value and importance. Observation data revealed an …
The Effects Of Character Education On Social-Emotional Behavior, Diane M. Dodds
The Effects Of Character Education On Social-Emotional Behavior, Diane M. Dodds
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
The addition of character education to school curricula has become an increasingly popular response to today’s heightened emphasis for students to succeed on academic high stake tests, leaving little regard for the development of social-emotional competencies. The purpose of this research was to study the effects of character education on the social-emotional behavior of elementary students in a private Montessori school. The study consisted of 18 students in a grade 1-4 classroom over a period of five weeks. Data was collected through daily tallying of negative behavior and through incident forms as well as student pre- and post-test evaluations regarding …
The Effects That Consistent Routines Have On Transitions, Sarah L. Seiberlich
The Effects That Consistent Routines Have On Transitions, Sarah L. Seiberlich
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
The purpose of this action research project was to observe the effects of a consistent routine on toddler behaviors and transitions. There were six participants, some of which were new students and others had experience in the environment. The age range was 18 months to 3 years old. About halfway through the summer, the toddlers were presented with a daily routine that they followed everyday. Data was collected by observation during transitions, tally attendance, behavioral scales and teacher journals. The results showed improved behavior during transitions in a shorter amount of time than originally predicted. In conclusion, consistent routines allow …
T He Effects Of Loose Parts And Nature-Based Play On Creativity In The Montessori Early Childhood (3-6 Year Old) Classroom, Leah C. Yavuz
T He Effects Of Loose Parts And Nature-Based Play On Creativity In The Montessori Early Childhood (3-6 Year Old) Classroom, Leah C. Yavuz
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
The purpose of this research was to determine if the addition of natural loose parts, or manipulatives, to the outdoor play yard would increase creativity in the classroom. This study took place in a private Montessori school with 14 children ages 3 to 6 years old over a five-week period. Various methods were used to gather information to determine any change in creativity. Observations of creative behaviors, concentration (state of flow), and spontaneous collaboration were collected as well as drawing tests for creative thinking, and samples of creative writing and artwork. The results of the study found that the loose …
Effects Of Directed Movement On Focus, Catherine A. Zoeckler
Effects Of Directed Movement On Focus, Catherine A. Zoeckler
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
The purpose of this study was to determine if directed movement would positively affect the focus for all children. Children with underdeveloped executive functions frequently disrupt the learning of others. This study was implemented in a mixed-age lower elementary classroom populated by 27 children ages 6 to 9 years. The project covered a total of six weeks, four of which included directed movement for at least three days of the week. Prior to implementing movement into the classroom, three lessons were presented that related to brain function, focus and mindfulness. Pre-study student work samples, teacher observations of the work period …
The Effect Of Creativity In Nature, Jackie M. Ji
The Effect Of Creativity In Nature, Jackie M. Ji
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
The purpose of this research was to determine the effects on children’s creativity by using natural materials. Children are sometimes lacking in creativity when performing a teacher directed art lesson or step by step crafts. This research, was instigated to observe how using natural materials will affect children’s creativity. In order to determine the effects that nature materials in a preschool classroom have on a student’s creativity, the children were provided with nature materials to use and few instructions to create their own artwork. Data was collected from five sources to measure preschooler’s creativity using nature materials. The data included …
The Effects Of Motivational Strategies To Increase Teachers’ Commitment And Enthusiasm, Donna A. Fiumara
The Effects Of Motivational Strategies To Increase Teachers’ Commitment And Enthusiasm, Donna A. Fiumara
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
Abstract The purpose of this study was to explore motivational strategies that can be used to increase faculty and staff’s motivation in a small private Montessori school, located in New Jersey. Ten members of the faculty and staff participated in this action research project over the course of six weeks. Pre-data collection included an online motivational quiz that identified each faculty and staff member’s top three motivators. Short term goals were created by the participant with the administrator in a pre-conference based on the motivator results of each individual’s pre-test. The administrator used the motivational strategies of each faculty and …
Montessori Mathematics Curriculum And Lower Elementary Students Understanding Of Length Measurement, Katherine L. Mcintosh
Montessori Mathematics Curriculum And Lower Elementary Students Understanding Of Length Measurement, Katherine L. Mcintosh
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
The intent of this action research project was to determine to what extent the Montessori Mathematics curriculum support lower elementary students’ understanding of length measurement. The research took place in a private Montessori school classroom with first and second-grade students. There were 22 students in the class, 11 first graders, and 11 second-graders. Data was collected through a pre and post-test, field notes, and observations. The students also kept a journal and performed self-assessments. Photographs were taken to record the students’ use of different measurement tools. Children’s literature about length measurement was read and discussed with the students. The data …
Improving Letter Name Knowledge In Primary Montessori, Melissa Sue Brodin
Improving Letter Name Knowledge In Primary Montessori, Melissa Sue Brodin
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
This action research investigated letter name knowledge gain from integrating a selection of Orton-Gillingham methods into a private Montessori Primary classroom. The methods incorporated included letter name and sound drill, three-letter word practice, vowel game, and sand writing. Eight students, four and five years of age, were included in the study. Sources of data collection include student artifact, teacher assessment, student attitude inquiry, and teacher observational data. Students displayed an overall increase in attitude toward learning letter name and six out of eight students showed an increase in letter name knowledge for both uppercase and lowercase letters. Because of the …
Character Education Using Literature And Discussions, Molly A. Leifeld
Character Education Using Literature And Discussions, Molly A. Leifeld
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
Laminack and Wadsworth (2012) “believe the single most important thing we can teach our children is kindness” (p. 1). I hoped to teach kindness characteristics to students in my first, second and third-grade classroom, as well as, lessen students’ frequency of unkind behaviors. I utilized Laminack and Wadsworths’ (2012) curriculum Bullying Hurts: Teaching Kindness through Read Alouds and Guided Conversations as my action research focus. Throughout my study, I used a tally chart and observation journal to track the frequency and types of behaviors students demonstrated. Also, students completed a behavioral self-assessment before and after implementation to assess their opinions …
Creating A Normalized Montessori Classroom, Heather L. Somerton-Burkhardt
Creating A Normalized Montessori Classroom, Heather L. Somerton-Burkhardt
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
The purpose of this report is to describe the findings of a study on how the implementation of the Accelerated Reader Program, use of five different management strategies, as well as the introduction of routines and rituals affects students' ability to create a normalized 1st through 3rd grade Montessori classroom. The research was conducted with a lower elementary Montessori classroom within a public school setting. More than half of the students had never experienced a Montessori environment. The data collecting methods used were a summative assessment, tally sheets, field notes, attitude scale inquiries, and semi-structured conversations with the students. The …
Cursive Handwriting With Kindergartners, Amy J. Carlson
Cursive Handwriting With Kindergartners, Amy J. Carlson
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
Abstract This action research studied the impact of Handwriting Without Tears® (HWT) cursive instruction on handwriting skills for kindergarten students. The study occurred in an early childhood (ages 3-6) classroom at a private Montessori school. Eight students received multisensory HWT cursive instruction twenty minutes per day for six weeks. Sources of data included participant print and cursive writing samples analyzed with a rubric, HWT print assessments, scored attitude scales of participants’ feelings about handwriting, a tally sheet of writing works chosen, and a teacher journal. Following the intervention, participants’ scored higher on the HWT assessment, especially in the section regarding …
Aligning State Developmental Standards To Toddler And Early Childhood Montessori Practical Life And Sensorial Materials, Erin H. Conway, Amanda E. Fink
Aligning State Developmental Standards To Toddler And Early Childhood Montessori Practical Life And Sensorial Materials, Erin H. Conway, Amanda E. Fink
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
The purpose of this research was to determine whether a progress report that aligns the Montessori materials to child development benchmarks would increase parent understanding of the Montessori materials, as well as give teachers a means of reporting growth that is systematic and consistent. Trial reports were created aligning the toddler and early childhood practical life and sensorial curriculum areas to the state standards. Parents were asked to compare the current reports with the new reports. The postimplementation survey results suggested that 97% of parents better understood the alignment between the Montessori materials and child development and 100% of teachers …
A Toddler Mentor Program With Elementary Students To Improve The Development Of Empathy, Michelle Aldrich
A Toddler Mentor Program With Elementary Students To Improve The Development Of Empathy, Michelle Aldrich
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
Abstract The purpose of this action research project was to determine if there would be improved development of empathy in elementary students as a result of involvement in the Toddler Mentor Program. The study took place in a 6-9 year Montessori Elementary Classroom. There were eight participants, which were first and second year students in the classroom. The age range was 6-7 years old. The elementary students spent twenty minutes as a mentor in the Toddler classroom once a week. Data was collected by teacher observation pre, during and post project in three different environments, the elementary classroom, the toddler …
Communicating Effectively With Parents In The Montessori Environment, Lindsey A. Seril
Communicating Effectively With Parents In The Montessori Environment, Lindsey A. Seril
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
The purpose of this action research was to examine the most effective ways of communicating with parents in the Montessori environment, and to see if incorporating technology and communication skills into the classroom would improve parent-teacher communication and relationships. This study was conducted with the parents of children ages two and a half to six years old in a private Montessori classroom. Classroom management and communication technology in the form of Montessori Compass was introduced into the classroom in order to see the impact on parent-teacher communication. Techniques for improved communication with parents were also used during parent-teacher interactions to …
The Effects Of A Peace Curriculum On Reducing And Resolving Conflicts Among Children Ages 3-6 Years, Maria T. Morningstar
The Effects Of A Peace Curriculum On Reducing And Resolving Conflicts Among Children Ages 3-6 Years, Maria T. Morningstar
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
An important part of a child’s development is learning how to relate to other children appropriately (Sidorowicz & Hair, 2009). The purpose of this study was to determine whether teaching children about peace would help them to reduce or resolve conflicts in the classroom. The study took place in a suburban Montessori classroom of 26 children, ages three to six years. The Research Methodology section of this Action Research report details the peace lessons and materials used in the peace curriculum. The data collection included observations of children’s conflicts and resolutions, conferences with the children and teachers, and children’s journal …
The Space Between The Notes: The Effects Of Background Music On Student Focus, Duna L. Strachan
The Space Between The Notes: The Effects Of Background Music On Student Focus, Duna L. Strachan
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
Student behaviors were tallied in three similar Montessori early childhood classes while children practiced social, motor and academic skills with and without background music. Teacher impressions of work period productivity were tallied along with information from teacher notes and student self-assessments. Music came from Pandora stations such as “Relaxation Radio” or “Yoga Radio.” Music was selected for slow tempo (approximately 60 beats per minute or the rate of the adult heart) and relaxing instrumental quality, played at a soft volume and during times when students were not expected to pay attention to other auditory input such as stories, songs, lessons …