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Articles 1 - 30 of 71
Full-Text Articles in Education
The Effects Of Social Stories On The Problem Solving Skills Of Preschoolers, Sara Cramer
The Effects Of Social Stories On The Problem Solving Skills Of Preschoolers, Sara Cramer
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
This action research project examined the effects of social stories on the problem solving skills of preschoolers in a Montessori classroom. The classroom was in a private school in Arizona led by a lead Montessori trained teacher and an assistant teacher. The study spanned seven weeks and the subjects were 22 three to five year old children. Three stories were read to the children. Each story was read at circle time daily for a two week interval. Data collected included the observations of the lead teacher, observations of the assistant teacher, and one-on-one conversations with each child at the end …
Using Reader’S Theater During Small Group Reading Instruction To Increase Prosody Within A Second Grade Classroom Of Title I, Tier Ii Students, Amanda Mahlum, Stacey Knudson
Using Reader’S Theater During Small Group Reading Instruction To Increase Prosody Within A Second Grade Classroom Of Title I, Tier Ii Students, Amanda Mahlum, Stacey Knudson
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
The objective of this study was to help second grade children increase prosody by using Reader’s Theater to improve all aspects of reading and comprehension. The research was conducted collaboratively by a second grade teacher and a Title I Reading Specialist. Four Tier II, Title I reading students struggling with reading fluency were selected as participants. Reader’s Theater was implemented within a small group setting where students reread scripts while educators modeled and coached them. Data was collected using student self assessments, observational field notes, digital recordings, and a reading performance rubric. The data revealed a significant increase in the …
Parent Involvement In Kindergarten, Martine A. Reinhardt
Parent Involvement In Kindergarten, Martine A. Reinhardt
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
This action research investigated the effects of parent engagement strategies on the level of parent involvement in kindergarten. Parents may have barriers preventing them from becoming more involved in their child’s schooling. Many parents have younger children they take care of, work full time jobs, and are unaware of how they can get more involved at home. In this study, various strategies were implemented to help increase levels of engagement. Parents were asked to track the amount of time they spent working with their child at home on school related activities. Activities and ideas were sent home to generate discussions …
The Effects Of Technology On Students’ Retention Of Letters And Sounds, Amanda Garcia
The Effects Of Technology On Students’ Retention Of Letters And Sounds, Amanda Garcia
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
This action research was conducted to determine if the use of technology, specifically the interactive SMART board, would lead to higher student assessment scores on the district tests for letter identification and letter sound recognition. The research was completed in a full-day traditional public school transitional kindergarten (TK) class. Data was collected using district-wide alphabet assessments, teacher observation journals, student conferences, and student checklists used by a classroom instructional assistant. Letters of the alphabet were divided into two equal groups based on letter formation and level of difficulty identified through research. One group of letters and sounds was taught using …
Project-Based Learning’S Effect On Students’ Understanding And Usage Of The Engineering Design Process, Allison Larsen
Project-Based Learning’S Effect On Students’ Understanding And Usage Of The Engineering Design Process, Allison Larsen
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
This action research study examined project-based learning’s effect on students’ understanding and usage of the Engineering Design Process. The study took place in an elementary school with seventy-two 5th grade participants. Students participated in three project-based learning activities throughout the study. The data was collected over a six week period with the use of pre- and post-assessments, teacher observations, an Engineering Design Process rubric, and student journaling. The results of the study showed that students’ understanding and usage of the Engineering Design Process increased throughout the study. In conclusion, a project-based learning environment supports a positive effect on students’ understanding …
The Effects Of Inquiry Based Practices On Students Problem Solving Competence, Antonio Kuklok
The Effects Of Inquiry Based Practices On Students Problem Solving Competence, Antonio Kuklok
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
This action research project looked at the impacts that family dynamics and family resources have on student achievement and self-advocacy. It then went a step further by showing how inquiry-based strategies can give students with little family resources the tools to self-advocate and become academically successful. A specific six-step inquiry process was taught and implemented amongst 28 rural fifth grade students. The researcher utilized observations, assessments, and compared completed student work to Minnesota Academic Standards throughout the project period. After the students learned and implemented inquiry practices, their self-advocacy and academic achievement increased showing that these practices can affect students …
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 …
The Effects Of Daily Art Activities On Attention In Elementary Students An Action Research Report By Marjan, Marjan Oghabi
The Effects Of Daily Art Activities On Attention In Elementary Students An Action Research Report By Marjan, Marjan Oghabi
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
The goal of this action research project was to investigate the effects of morning art activities on student focus. The intervention took place over five weeks at a public elementary school. Nineteen students participated in a lower elementary Montessori classroom of six to nine year olds. The qualitative and quantitative data collected were student surveys, behavior tally sheets, student and teacher assessments, field observations and conversations. The evidence showed a relationship between daily art activities and student concentration. The students increased their time on task while writing reflections about their artwork throughout the five-week study. Future research could examine the …
The Effects Of Sign Language On Second Language Acquisition, Itzel Mejia-Menendez
The Effects Of Sign Language On Second Language Acquisition, Itzel Mejia-Menendez
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
This action research project examined the effects of sign language on the ability of primary students to learn new Spanish vocabulary in a bilingual Montessori classroom. The research took place at a public charter Montessori school in Washington, District of Columbia. Twenty-seven primary school aged children were included in this seven-week study. Sources of data collection included a parent-teacher questionnaire, a baseline assessment, daily observation logs, a daily checklist, a weekly journal, and a summative assessment. Students were grouped by Spanish fluency and taught eight different vocabulary words in Spanish. Half of the words were taught alongside a sign in …
Growth Mindset And The Makerspace Educational Environment, Lucas Steier, Alexandra W. Young
Growth Mindset And The Makerspace Educational Environment, Lucas Steier, Alexandra W. Young
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
This action research project has studied the impact of implementing strategies in a Makerspace on increasing grit in students. The study has been conducted in two fifth grade classes in a mid-western suburban elementary school. During the study, students completed four different Makerspace design challenge activities. Data was collected from Angela Duckworth’s grit survey to establish a baseline of student grit. Documentation of strategies used was collected through an inventory students completed after each design challenge. The data was used to identify changes in grit scores from students’ initial survey results to their final survey results. Student’s survey results were …
Engaging All Students: Strategies To Promote Meaningful Learning And Increase Academic Performance, Heidi Haagenson, Casandra Schlangen
Engaging All Students: Strategies To Promote Meaningful Learning And Increase Academic Performance, Heidi Haagenson, Casandra Schlangen
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
This action research project studied the impact specific engagement strategies had on student academic performance. We conducted this project in two ninthgrade English classes in a suburban high school and two eighthgrade Spanish classes in a suburban middle school both of which were located in a midwestern metropolitan area. During the study, students participated in a variety of engagement strategies aimed at promoting academic excellence: 1) challenge and competition, 2) cooperation and connection, 3) curiosity and controversy, and 4) choice and creativity. The data provided by course grades, student feedback, student observations, and teacher reflections showed students were more engaged …
Increasing Student Learning Through Arts Integration, Codi Feland, Kylie Petrik, Jacob Larson
Increasing Student Learning Through Arts Integration, Codi Feland, Kylie Petrik, Jacob Larson
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
This action research study was designed to examine the effects of the arts integration on student learning. Student learning was broken down by focusing on student engagement, critical thinking, and creative response. Research was conducted with 72 participants from fourth grade, fifth grade, and ninth grade classrooms within the social studies curriculum. Data collection methods included a pre-assessment survey, student journal prompts, observation tally sheets, student self-assessments, and the post-assessment survey. The results of our study indicated that student learning in each classroom maintained or improved when the arts were integrated. Students showed enthusiasm and felt optimistic towards integrating the …
Teaching Academic Vocabulary In Mathematics To English Language Learners, Emily M. Sasse
Teaching Academic Vocabulary In Mathematics To English Language Learners, Emily M. Sasse
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
The purpose of this research was to explore the effects of explicit academic vocabulary instruction in mathematics on English language learners’ understanding of mathematics concepts. The study took place in a third-grade classroom, where 50% of the students were English language learners. Data collection methods included pre- and post assessments, student self-assessment ratings, teacher reflections, and student discussion questions. Results of the study indicated positive increases in assessment scores for students at all levels of English language proficiency. Going forward, the teacher researcher will continue to use vocabulary journals, discussions, activities, and games in her classroom to provide multiple opportunities …
Digital Video As A Summative Assessment Tool, Meghann Peterson
Digital Video As A Summative Assessment Tool, Meghann Peterson
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
This action research study examined the effects of video production on student engagement and learning in a tenth grade English classroom. The study participants totaled 76 students in a large suburban Midwest high school. Over a period of five weeks, students worked in groups to read, analyze and make a video about a book of their choosing. The standards based project assessed their understanding of theme, characterization, and the cultural significance of their choice novel. Students worked collaboratively to answer questions about these aspects of the book and then complete storyboards and scripts for their videos. Throughout the study, the …
Effects Of Peace Education And Grace And Courtesy Education On Social Problem-Solving Skills And Social Awareness, Anna Aarre
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
This action research studied the impact of peace education and portions of the Positive Discipline curriculum in a three-six primary Montessori classroom. During five weeks of implementing the research, sixteen students participated in class meetings for twenty minutes a day. The peace table activities and wheel of choice lessons were conducted individually and as a whole class. The peace table activities included a set of mini dishes on a tray, a rain stick, and a peace rose. The wheel of choice consisted of pictures and words of examples of what students could choose to help them solve problems. A few …
Grammar & Writing: Pedagogy Behind Student Achievement, Cheryl M. Louis
Grammar & Writing: Pedagogy Behind Student Achievement, Cheryl M. Louis
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
The purpose of this action research was to determine the effects of non-traditional teaching methods (not in isolation) with regards to the use of punctuation rules on student writing. The study took place in three Advanced English 9 classrooms with 78 students participating. Teaching strategies included the use of a web-based punctuation program, teacher-created and web-based instructional videos, teacher-created and web-based punctuation games, and the use of Google Docs via Google Classroom with both editing and conferencing. Data was collected through a student questionnaire, a student writing sample, a punctuation pre-test, two student writing assessments with error tally sheets via …
Gender And Collaborative Writing, Anna F. Hertzog
Gender And Collaborative Writing, Anna F. Hertzog
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
This action research report investigated whether all boy collaboration groups improve the writing skills and attitudes in primary aged boys. The study included an all male writing group, a mixed gender writing group, and an all female writing group in a small, rural Montessori Academy in a classroom with 21 students ranging in Grades 1 through 3. Students were instructed on how to collaborate and work appropriately with one another before beginning writing in their groups assigned by gender for six weeks. While students worked in their groups the researcher observed behaviors, scored entries, conferenced with students, and administered surveys …
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 …
Vocabulary Instruction And Student Participation And Retention, Jenny A. Kading, Lisa J. Zuther
Vocabulary Instruction And Student Participation And Retention, Jenny A. Kading, Lisa J. Zuther
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
This action research investigated vocabulary retention and participation gain from integrating close reading passages into a Kindergarten and Second Grade public school classroom. The methods incorporated included turn and talk opportunities, student journals, and close reading passages. Thirty-six primary school aged students were included in the study. Sources of data collection include a teacher self-evaluation survey, vocabulary recognition task, observational checklist, and observational rubric. Students displayed an increase in vocabulary retention and participation. Because of the students’ increase in retention and participation during whole group instruction, we will continue to use close reading passages in our classrooms.
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 …
Relevant Professional Development: Reflective Of Adult Learning Styles, Polli E. Soholt
Relevant Professional Development: Reflective Of Adult Learning Styles, Polli E. Soholt
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
This action research project was instigated to determine the effects of professional development (PD) for practicing Montessori teachers using the Montessori Language materials. The specific targeted materials included: vocabulary cards, sound analysis, sandpaper letters, moveable alphabet, pencil use, and reading. The research took place during a four week period in a large west coast Montessori school that serves children between 18 months and 12 years old. The teachers who participated in the study all worked with children between the ages of 3 – 6 years old. The data was collected using a provider journal (notes taken by the researcher during …
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 …
Effective Teacher Communication As A Bridge Between School And Home, Kimberly J. Walton
Effective Teacher Communication As A Bridge Between School And Home, Kimberly J. Walton
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
This action research study investigated the effects of teacher communication on parent knowledge of the work their child does in the classroom. Forms of teacher communication utilized were parent education events and bi-weekly classroom news. The study was conducted at a small, private Montessori school, and a total of 22 parents participated. Data was collected via pre-information and post-information question sheets, interviews, and education event feedback forms. Parents expressed positive comments regarding the education events and were appreciative of the enhanced understanding of their child’s work in the classroom. The bi-weekly classroom news was also well received, however, complication in …
Parent Communication And Earthquake Safety, Damir Dzafic
Parent Communication And Earthquake Safety, Damir Dzafic
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
The action research study investigated increasing communication on earthquake safety in order to alleviate parental concern. The investigation took place at a local private Montessori school. The participants were parents from the school. The data was collected through pre and post surveys, observations, and journaling. The results showed that increasing communication between the school and the parent community on this subject matter did alleviate parental concern. The parents felt more reassured knowing the details on earthquake safety plan. However, the challenge is keeping the new parents that come to the school informed about the school’s earthquake safety plan. Overall, keeping …
Schoology: The Adoption Of A Learning Management System, Derek Schlager
Schoology: The Adoption Of A Learning Management System, Derek Schlager
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
The purpose of this action research is to investigate the needs and opportunities for high school math teachers pertaining to the adoption of Schoology, a learning management system (LMS). Data was gathered from 98 students, 13 teachers, 24 parents/families and 8 technology integration experts in an effort to gain a multitude of perspectives relating to Schoology use at the high school level. The information gathered from these four groups was analyzed and used to make suggestions regarding how teachers or schools navigate the first year of LMS use. This data was gathered over a period of eight weeks through Google …
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 …
Pants, Jacket, Hat, Boots & Mittens, Boots & Mittens: Toddlers’ Acquisition Of Dressing Skills And Independence, Kimberly F. Stevenson
Pants, Jacket, Hat, Boots & Mittens, Boots & Mittens: Toddlers’ Acquisition Of Dressing Skills And Independence, Kimberly F. Stevenson
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
Toddlers bundled up in snow clothes are adorable. How does one guide a toddler to dress appropriately? This action research project invited older children to spend five weeks assisting toddlers with learning how to put on snow clothes. An attendance and time log chronicled every day of the study. A checklist of progress with articles of clothing and levels of independence helped monitor the toddlers. Field notes and post-study feedback forms collected additional details. The quantitative and qualitative results showed an increase in independent dressing skills. Transition routines and visual schedules received attention in this study on independent dressing skills. …
Music, Community, And Cooperation In A Lower Elementary Classroom, Heidi S. James
Music, Community, And Cooperation In A Lower Elementary Classroom, Heidi S. James
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
The following research assesses how daily singing and music in an elementary classroom impacted the sense of community, care of materials and cooperation during clean up time. This study involved daily singing of a set of songs with lyrical themes of cooperation and unity, and then playing of recorded versions of the same songs during clean up time. The eight-week study involved 16 participants between the ages of 6 and 9 at a private school in Minnesota. Each individual completed a pre and post-survey. During clean up time, observations of helpful behaviors were recorded, and any relevant quotations noted. Results …
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 …