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- Montessori (37)
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Articles 31 - 60 of 68
Full-Text Articles in Education
Grace And Courtesy In Living With Conflict In The Montessori Children’S House, Katie J. Gregoire
Grace And Courtesy In Living With Conflict In The Montessori Children’S House, Katie J. Gregoire
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
The purpose of this research was to determine in what ways increased role-play lessons of grace and courtesy affected conflict resolution in an early childhood classroom. This research study was conducted at a private Montessori school in a midwestern metropolitan area. The sixweek study was completed in a classroom with 29 children, ranging in age from thirty-three months to six years old. During the study, data was collected on the number of conflicts and grace and courtesy lessons. Data was also collected on levels of cooperation and use of respectful language among children, as observed and reflected on, by the …
Choice And Growth Mindset, Neysa B. Matt
Choice And Growth Mindset, Neysa B. Matt
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
This study sought to determine if lessons in growth mindset would improve engagement and thus positively affect elementary students in finishing work, and if enhanced engagement would enrich work quality. Prior to implementation, a tally of incomplete work cycles and an assessment of students’ overall persistence were gathered. Student interviews regarding their views on unfinished work were conducted. Five students were randomly selected to provide work samples which were assessed by the students and their teacher. Twenty-six, six to nine years-olds in a private, lower elementary Montessori classroom received four lessons to promote a growth mindset and were assessed for …
The Affects Of Nature Based Learning On Children’S Eco-Centric Attitudes, Nicolette A. Bidell
The Affects Of Nature Based Learning On Children’S Eco-Centric Attitudes, Nicolette A. Bidell
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
The purpose of this action research study was to discover if exposure to nature-based education would increase student’s eco-centric views of the environment. The intervention took place over a four week period at a private Montessori school in France. 11 students and their parents participated in the study. Students ranged in age from 2 to 3 years. Qualitative and quantitative data were both collected via a parent questionnaire, pre and post student surveys, daily observations, and a teacher reflection journal. Analysis of the data revealed that the more days a child participated in the nature-based lessons and activities, the more …
Goal Setting And Choice On Student Motivation, Donna K. Dodge
Goal Setting And Choice On Student Motivation, Donna K. Dodge
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
The purpose of this research is to determine what effect weekly conferences and goal setting opportunities have on the motivation of kindergarten children, in a multi-age (3-6 year-old) Montessori early childhood classroom in the Midwest. The goal was for children to become selfmotivated to choose and practice independent work that is developmentally appropriate. Data was collected before, during, and after the project using an observational checklist to determine the effectiveness of implementing goal setting and conferences with students. The research showed that writing goals in a journal was helpful for the majority of students. The students involved in the study …
Mindfulness Activities In Teacher Spiritual Preparation, Suzette Quiros
Mindfulness Activities In Teacher Spiritual Preparation, Suzette Quiros
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
This action research project examined the effects of mindfulness activities on teacher spirituality. It was conducted during a two-month Early Childhood Montessori teacher training course with eight female teachers between the ages of 25 and 50. Data was collected with the use of attitude scales, self-reflection journals, field notes and conversations. Conclusions showed participants perceived an increase in spirituality and gained inner peace, patience, kindness, humility, self-respect. They also showed they gained the ability to let go of negative energy, achieving calmness and positivism. Further research could be conducted to see the effects of teacher spirituality on the classroom environment …
Beneficial Effects Of Practical Life Activities And Normalization, Leah Linebarger
Beneficial Effects Of Practical Life Activities And Normalization, Leah Linebarger
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
This action research project investigated the effects on involving children in the practical life curriculum on normalization in the Montessori toddler and primary classrooms. 30 students, their parents and 7 teachers were participants. 12 students and their parents were from a toddler classroom and 18 from two separate primary classrooms. Data was collected pre and post study via questionnaires on the parents’ goals for their children. Many of the goals listed such as socialization skills, independence and emotional stability can be met through engaging the child in practical life activities and as the child meets these goals should normalize. A …
The Effects Of Mindfulness On Students’ Attention, Rose Bringus
The Effects Of Mindfulness On Students’ Attention, Rose Bringus
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
This action research project examined the effects of mindfulness and meditation on concentration among elementary students. The research was conducted at a private Montessori school in an upper elementary classroom for twenty-six children ages nine to twelve. Baseline data was collected for three consecutive days. The intervention was implemented for four weeks. The teacher led the students in mindful movements in the morning and daily meditation took place in the afternoon. The average percent of on-task behavior was collected for baseline data using observational records and journal notes. Observational records included what percent of the class was on-task for specific …
The Effects Of Movement Interventions On Focus And Concentration In Toddler Montessori Classrooms, Munir Shivji
The Effects Of Movement Interventions On Focus And Concentration In Toddler Montessori Classrooms, Munir Shivji
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
The purpose of this action research was to determine the effects of movement activities on focus and concentration in toddler Montessori classrooms. Evidence supports the connection between purposeful movement and levels of concentration. Both quantitative and qualitative data of three toddler-aged classes was collected through the use of a pre and post questionnaires, checklists and observational record keeping. The intervention took place over a period of six weeks at an independent school setting with 24 students ages 21 months to 3 years. The results showed the students focus and concentration levels increased during the Montessori uninterrupted morning work cycle when …
Mindfulness Intervention: Usefulness In Elementary Classrooms In Regards To Transitions And Collaboration, Jessie M. Filkins
Mindfulness Intervention: Usefulness In Elementary Classrooms In Regards To Transitions And Collaboration, Jessie M. Filkins
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
The purpose of this investigation was to see if mindfulness lessons based on breathing and meditation techniques would be effective with elementary age students in building community and collaborative work skills. This was done in a classroom of 25 students ranging from nine to twelve years old. I used a pre and post survey as well as observational data to determine the relevance of the meditations on community clean up time. The results showed that there was an increase in participation as well as a decrease in the time it took for the children to clean up. There was also …
Peer Tutoring And Cooperative Groups In The Dual Language Classroom, Cristina I. Celis
Peer Tutoring And Cooperative Groups In The Dual Language Classroom, Cristina I. Celis
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
How do we help children practice and retain the second language in a Dual Language program? We must find effective and fun ways, like Peer Tutoring and Cooperative Groups. This research was conducted with a group of 21 six and seven year olds in a Dual Language Immersion classroom in a Title 1 school. There was a mixture of boys and girls, Latinos, African-Americans and Caucasians. Data collection was done through surveys, observations, artifacts and narratives. The data showed that while these strategies did increase vocabulary, they did not inspire the children to speak more Spanish. They still reverted back …
Cooperative Activities To Reduce Aggression In Young Children, Kristin R. Beardsly Schoenherr
Cooperative Activities To Reduce Aggression In Young Children, Kristin R. Beardsly Schoenherr
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
I investigated the effect of introducing cooperative games during recess to reduce aggressive behaviors in preschool-age children. The action research was done at an intentionally culturally and socio-economically diverse Montessori school in St. Paul, Minnesota. The 23 children involved were all children from the three to six age group who take daily naps. I recorded every aggressive incident I saw before, during, and after the intervention. I also recorded what cooperative activities I introduced for the intervention. Once before and after the intervention I asked the children if they enjoyed recess. I recorded observational notes such as weather conditions, and …
The Effects Of Mindfulness Practices And Activities On Student Attention And Work Engagement In A Multi-Age 4th To 6th Grade Montessori Classroom, Jamie L. Schaub
The Effects Of Mindfulness Practices And Activities On Student Attention And Work Engagement In A Multi-Age 4th To 6th Grade Montessori Classroom, Jamie L. Schaub
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
The purpose of this research was to test whether the implementation of mindfulness exercises would increase focus and work engagement of students. This study incorporated breathing and visualization exercises three times a week. The 5-week study involved 44 children between the ages of 9 and 12 years in a private Montessori school in Northern Michigan. Data collection included daily tallies of on and off task behavior, daily observations of work engagement, pre and post questionnaires about mindfulness completed by each child, and oneon- one discussions with each participant. Results showed an increase in the number of students on task and …
Communication And Conflict Resolution In Early Childhood, Alyssa K. Ringgenberg
Communication And Conflict Resolution In Early Childhood, Alyssa K. Ringgenberg
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
The importance of teaching communication and conflict resolution skills in early childhood is explored in this action research. Previous research suggests that young children are capable of learning conflict resolution skills from an early age. After observing that conflict resolution was not successfully addressed in many different classroom environments, the need to research and model clear, compassionate language was apparent. This study was conducted in a Montessori classroom of 21 children, ages three to six. Within the framework of Nonviolent Communication (NVC), the children learned to voice their feelings, hear others, and have their personal needs met. I recorded reports …
Work Conferences And Student Engagement, Hannah K. Ebner
Work Conferences And Student Engagement, Hannah K. Ebner
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
WORK CONFERENCES AND STUDENT ENGAGEMENT 2 Abstract The purpose of this research was to determine the impact of individual, weekly work conferences on students' levels of intrinsic motivation, work engagement, and enthusiasm for learning. The study was conducted with 28 fourth through sixth graders in a mixedage, public Montessori classroom. Data was collected as notes during teacher observations, conversations with students, and during the work conferences themselves. Accountability and relational support increased through student-teacher dialogue about work. These two factors improved the overall student productivity, enthusiasm, and organization, as well as the work culture of the classroom. The conferences helped …
The Effects Of Purposeful Physical Activity On Student Concentration In A Montessori Children’S House, Sheena M. Goerg
The Effects Of Purposeful Physical Activity On Student Concentration In A Montessori Children’S House, Sheena M. Goerg
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
The purpose of this action research was to determine the impact of purposeful gross-motor movements on student concentration in a Montessori Children’s House. The intervention took place over a period of eight weeks in a private Montessori school in a “Children’s House” of 20 primary aged children (ages 2.5 to 6). Data was collected using hourly observations of the concentration levels of the class as a whole prior to and after implementation; tally sheets reflecting daily use of movement materials, daily reflective journals, and interviews with the children. Results show concentration levels were positively affected by the use of the …
Helping Third-Grade Students With Task Management In A Montessori Classroom, Jessica H. Fabel
Helping Third-Grade Students With Task Management In A Montessori Classroom, Jessica H. Fabel
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
HELPING STUDENTS WITH TASK MANAGEMENT 2 Abstract In this study, ten third-grade students in a Montessori classroom were observed and encouraged to discover strategies to help them manage their coursework. The teacher facilitated individual conferences with each student that focused on developing specific independent work time strategies. The students also had the opportunity to assemble a portfolio and to reflect on their progress. In addition, quantitative data was collected that focused on student engagement and work completion. The study revealed that students were drawn to larger projects, particularly in history and geography. They were also drawn to work that would …
Roleplaying To Develop Self Regulation, Baylen N. Wagner
Roleplaying To Develop Self Regulation, Baylen N. Wagner
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
This action research study investigated the use of child-led play in an after school club as a means to reduce peer conflict and increase cooperation. Prior literature suggests that children behave differently during imaginative play and exhibit greater natural behavior regulation when adult involvement is limited or removed. A small group of child participants, aged 9-14 years, were given materials necessary for a roleplaying game where players take on imaginary characters and cooperatively complete dangerous quests. One child acted as game leader, designing the adventure’s challenges and providing rules adjudication. The children attended six game sessions and completed questionnaires after …
Transition Strategies In Early Childhood Settings, Crystal P. Cunningham(Black)
Transition Strategies In Early Childhood Settings, Crystal P. Cunningham(Black)
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
The purpose of this research was to determine if daily lessons in yoga, mindfulness, and transition skills positively affect the transition from lunch to recess in a Montessori environment. The seven‐week study involved 17 children between two and a half to five years old. Data collection included a pre-and post‐assessment and observations which documented the type of disruptions, amount of disruptions, and the resolution to the disruptions. Results of the pre-and post‐assessments revealed that practice of the skills needed in a transition resulted in more independence. The mindfulness exercises resulted in less distractions while waiting in line during a transition. …
Using Self-Monitoring To Increase Self-Regulation In Young Children, Latoya T. Jones
Using Self-Monitoring To Increase Self-Regulation In Young Children, Latoya T. Jones
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
SELF-REGULATION IN YOUNG CHILDREN 3 Abstract The purpose of this research was to determine the effects of a self-monitoring system on the social-emotional behaviors of children in a mixed-age early childhood classroom. The study took place over the course of six weeks at a public Montessori school with twelve participants ranging from ages 4 to 7. Data was collected using a teacher questionnaire, observation tallies, teacher notes, and student feedback. Findings indicated that disruptive behaviors increased and children’s ability to communicate their emotions and recognize emotions in others only slightly increased. Although the results displayed minimal changes in students' ability …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …