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Full-Text Articles in Education

Effects Of Character Education On Independent Conflict Resolution, Emily Stein Dec 2023

Effects Of Character Education On Independent Conflict Resolution, Emily Stein

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The inspiration for this project came as a response to the observations made by a lower elementary Montessori guide in a post-COVID classroom. It aimed to see how direct instruction of virtues affected students’ independent conflict resolution skills. This project lasted six weeks in a first through third-grade classroom of 22 students in an urban school. The guide introduced a new value each week through a read-aloud and a value affirmation. Students then had the remainder of the week to journal their thoughts on the virtue prompt of the week. The guide monitored student conflict using a tally sheet, marking …


The Impact Of Geometry Montessori Education On Students’ Skills And Mindsets, Laura E. Ledesma Ortiz Dec 2023

The Impact Of Geometry Montessori Education On Students’ Skills And Mindsets, Laura E. Ledesma Ortiz

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

Montessori education has gained recognition due to its long-lasting positive effects on students. However, no studies have targeted its effectiveness on geometry education. This action research project investigated the impact and effectiveness of switching a non-sequential geometry curriculum with the Montessori method and curriculum on students' attitudes and geometrical skills. During six weeks, a population of 16 grade 6 students received weekly lessons that followed the Montessori method and curriculum while their skills were measured and compared against the British Columbia (BC) geometry curriculum. Students were interviewed before and after the intervention to track changes in their learning attitudes. Teacher …


The Impact Of Direct Integration Of Social Emotional Lessons With Montessori Upper Elementary Children, Gina Awadallah Dec 2023

The Impact Of Direct Integration Of Social Emotional Lessons With Montessori Upper Elementary Children, Gina Awadallah

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research study aimed to analyze the impact of direct social-emotional lessons on students' emotional intelligence in a Montessori upper elementary classroom. This study explored the impact of combining social-emotional vocabulary with social-emotional learning (SEL) skill development. The study used quantitative and qualitative data, including pre- and post-assessments, follow-up work, observation logs, and SEL elements added to the students’ weekly work plans. SEL curriculum materials and follow-up work were created for this study following the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) framework and their SAFE acronym: sequenced, active, focused, and explicit. The data showed that teaching SEL …


Implementing Environmentally Conscious Skills Into Toddlers’ Routines, Martha Sanchez Romero Dec 2023

Implementing Environmentally Conscious Skills Into Toddlers’ Routines, Martha Sanchez Romero

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research aimed to determine the effects of implementing environmentally conscious skills in the daily routine of toddlers in a Montessori classroom. Evidence supports that routine helps normalize and internalize practiced skills. I collected quantitative and qualitative data from a mixed toddler class, over eight weeks at an independent school setting with 24, 18 months to 36 months. I utilized through pre- and post-questionnaires, tally sheets, and observational record- keeping. The results showed that toddlers were more successful with activities that were part of their daily routine, in increasing their purpose and coordination versus those found on the shelf. …


Developing Self-Regulation, Terriann Vandeventer Dec 2023

Developing Self-Regulation, Terriann Vandeventer

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

"Abstract This research seeks to determine if children can develop self-regulation through games and activities in early childhood. This research was completed over six weeks in a classroom of three- to six-year-old students in a Montessori school. The researcher presented weekly games to the students to develop self-regulation skills such as listening, following directions, and body awareness. The researcher completed student surveys using qualitative and quantitative data from teacher observations to support their findings. The research found that games and activities can develop self-regulation skills in young children, lead to positive self-regulation behavior, decrease negative regulation skills, and increase self-awareness."


The Impact Of Cognitively Guided Instruction On Students’ Mathematical Mindsets, Christina Keller Dec 2023

The Impact Of Cognitively Guided Instruction On Students’ Mathematical Mindsets, Christina Keller

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The purpose of this research was to analyze the impact of an inquiry-based word problem-solving framework, known as Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI), on students’ mathematical mindsets in an early elementary Montessori classroom. Students received one word problem-solving lesson per week over a six-week period. Students completed a pre-intervention and post-intervention mathematical mindset rubric, as well as CGI assessment. Both qualitative and quantitative results show that students had an increase in their variety of word problem-solving strategies, were able to solve word problems more accurately, and showed increased levels in self-efficacy, perception, and affinity towards math. Based on these results, CGI …


The Impact Of Role-Play On The Self-Regulation Of Preschoolers Following The Covid-19 Pandemic, Jennifer Myers Dec 2023

The Impact Of Role-Play On The Self-Regulation Of Preschoolers Following The Covid-19 Pandemic, Jennifer Myers

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This Action Research Project examined the impact of role-play on preschoolers’ self-regulation development in a Montessori primary classroom. The class consisted of 18 students; ages 3-5 years old. Four of the nine students in the intervention had delays, disruptions, or modifications to their Montessori experience, possibly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Role-play scenarios were performed by the students for four weeks. The results show that role-play positively impacted self-regulation in the primary classroom. The average percentage of self-regulated behaviors increased by 28.5% from the pre-intervention week through the last intervention week. Modeling of self-regulated behaviors increased, and modeling of dysregulated …


Leveraging Ai Tools To Reduce Teacher Stress And Workload, Kassidy Waddell Dec 2023

Leveraging Ai Tools To Reduce Teacher Stress And Workload, Kassidy Waddell

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research paper investigates the integration of AI-powered tools, specifically ChatGPT, to develop individualized lesson plans with the aim of alleviating teacher stress and reducing workload. Drawing upon theoretical frameworks such as Self-Efficacy Theory and the Technology Acceptance Model, the study explores the potential of AI technology to enhance classroom experiences. The research questions addressed in this study include 1) to identify the advantages and disadvantages of using ChatGPT in a classroom setting and 2) to assess whether integrating ChatGPT into a Montessori classroom can positively impact student and teacher learning. Qualitative data was collected over a five-week intervention …


The Impact Of Uninterrupted Work Periods On A School Leader’S Self-Efficacy, Heather Harvey Dec 2023

The Impact Of Uninterrupted Work Periods On A School Leader’S Self-Efficacy, Heather Harvey

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research paper examined the impact of an uninterrupted work period on a school leader’s sense of self-efficacy. The subject of this self-study was the Assistant Head of School at a private, non-profit Montessori school in the Southeastern United States. The interventions took place over five weeks, each consisting of a planned 90-minute work period without interruptions or distractions. The participant was instructed to use the time to focus on a project that required concentration. The subject reported their feelings of self-efficacy and job satisfaction on surveys throughout the study period to measure if they increased their feelings of …


The Impact Of A Technology-Based Intervention On Phonemic Awareness Skills In First Graders, Ashley M. Christenson Aug 2023

The Impact Of A Technology-Based Intervention On Phonemic Awareness Skills In First Graders, Ashley M. Christenson

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research study aimed to determine the impact of the use of a technology-based intervention, specifically with the use of an iPad application, on students' phonemic awareness skills. The intervention took place over six weeks using the Teach Your Monster to Read iPad application to practice skills. Sixteen first-grade students from a rural elementary school were the subjects of this study. Half the participants played the game twice weekly for 15-20 minutes for six weeks. Data was collected before, after, and during the intervention using multiple summative assessments and weekly progress monitoring. The data analysis suggests that there isn’t …


Improving Student Critical Thinking Skills Through Explicit Teaching Strategies, Danielle M. Miller Aug 2023

Improving Student Critical Thinking Skills Through Explicit Teaching Strategies, Danielle M. Miller

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research project aimed at finding the impact of teaching critical thinking skills through teacher modeling, guided practice, and independent activities. The eight-week intervention took place with a third grade group of students in a midwest suburban elementary school. Data was collected before the intervention, at the midpoint of the eight weeks, and then after the intervention was completed. Student self-assessment surveys as well as teacher observations were used to gather data around both the application of skills and the student confidence levels of that application. Through the interventions that were implemented, students showed positive growth in both confidence …


The Impact Of Social-Emotional Learning Strategies On Performance Anxiety In The Fourth-Grade Music Classroom, Erika A. Bergson, Erin M. Lawler, Jennifer L. Mickels Jul 2023

The Impact Of Social-Emotional Learning Strategies On Performance Anxiety In The Fourth-Grade Music Classroom, Erika A. Bergson, Erin M. Lawler, Jennifer L. Mickels

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

No abstract provided.


The Effects Of Authentic Writing On Third-Grade Student Motivation And Achievement, Caitlin Barrett Jul 2023

The Effects Of Authentic Writing On Third-Grade Student Motivation And Achievement, Caitlin Barrett

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research project sought to determine the effects of authentic writing on third-grade student motivation and achievement in writing. This study took place over the course of four weeks with 21 third-grade students in a suburban elementary school. Students participated in an authentic writing project that involved writing letters to a favorite author. Data was collected in the forms of pre and post-intervention writing attitude surveys, observational notes, and one-on-one student writing conference notes to assess the effects on student motivation. A rubric was used to grade baseline writing samples and post-intervention writing to assess the effects on writing …


Identifying Activities And Skills That Occur In Circle Time: An Action Plan To Engage Students Social-Emotional Learning (Sel) At A Head Start, Priscilla A. Thomas Jul 2023

Identifying Activities And Skills That Occur In Circle Time: An Action Plan To Engage Students Social-Emotional Learning (Sel) At A Head Start, Priscilla A. Thomas

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

No abstract provided.


"How Does Explicit Phonemic Awareness Instruction In A 6th-Grade Classroom, Influence Students Reading Fluency And Comprehension?", Danette M. Hendrickson Jul 2023

"How Does Explicit Phonemic Awareness Instruction In A 6th-Grade Classroom, Influence Students Reading Fluency And Comprehension?", Danette M. Hendrickson

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to determine if using phonemic awareness lessons could help students with reading comprehension and fluency. This action research study was conducted in a rural 6th-grade classroom with a total of 38 students. The classroom is in west-central Minnesota. The student participants were two sections that included the entire 6th grade. The research entailed whole group lessons; which involved games, syllable instruction and explicit instruction on listening to the sounds in words and noticing the patterns that sounds and spellings have in words. Small group lessons were also implemented where students rotated in the classroom …


The Influence Of Social Stories On Early Learners, Kate Whiting May 2023

The Influence Of Social Stories On Early Learners, Kate Whiting

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research study was conducted in a two or three-day-a-week preschool class within a suburban area in the Midwest. This study collected observable student behavior over four weeks. The study aimed to decrease anxiety and undesirable behaviors among preschool-aged students within a classroom setting. Undesirable behaviors include prolonged anxiety when transitioning from the first learning environment, home, to the second, school. In addition, behaviors such as trouble following routine expectations and transitioning within a preschool classroom. The student participants in this research were given Social Stories to help ease anxiety within the preschool classroom during routines and separation from …


The Effects Of Work Plans On Independence In A Primary Montessori Classroom, Cynthia Narine May 2023

The Effects Of Work Plans On Independence In A Primary Montessori Classroom, Cynthia Narine

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research project aimed to examine the effects introducing picture-based work plans would have on independence in a Primary Montessori classroom. The intervention took place over seven weeks and involved a middle-class suburban classroom with 25 children ages three to six-years old. Data was collected through the use of tally sheets which recorded the number of times children asked for suggestions; tables which recorded the number of children engaged in meaningful work; an observation log for observations taken globally; and a field journal which recorded the researcher’s thoughts, questions, and other observations at the time. The data showed a …


Increasing Concentration Through Multistep Practical Life Works In A Montessori 2-6 Classroom, Gay Luise May 2023

Increasing Concentration Through Multistep Practical Life Works In A Montessori 2-6 Classroom, Gay Luise

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

"This intervention was intended to combat apathy and disengagement in a preschool Montessori classroom. Four traditional Practical Life tasks were introduced to 15 students, dusting the shelves, sweeping the floor, carpet sweeping, and mopping the floor. These tasks required many different types of movement to complete. The intention was to test Dr. Montessori’s assertions that movement is essential for early brain development. The research took place in an urban Montessori and included 15 participants. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected over a four-week period. At the end of the intervention, findings indicated that their ability to concentrate increased after …


The Connection Between Social-Emotional Learning And Academic Success, Jayna Ruprecht May 2023

The Connection Between Social-Emotional Learning And Academic Success, Jayna Ruprecht

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

"Abstract This action research study was conducted in a Kindergarten classroom. The classroom is in a rural, predominately white, central Minnesota school. The purpose of this study was to determine if using social-emotional tools, strategies, and curriculums could help students with academic achievement and focus. The student participants in this research were given whole group lessons involving games, stories, and activities. The students were also given tools and resources to use independently when in need of emotional de-escalation. Data was collected with student surveys, teacher surveys, observation data, and tally recording. The student participants in this study showed a positive …


Impacts Of Using The Reggio Emilia Approach To Technology On Social Skills In An Early Learning Classroom, Nancy L. Nakaoka May 2023

Impacts Of Using The Reggio Emilia Approach To Technology On Social Skills In An Early Learning Classroom, Nancy L. Nakaoka

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research was to study the impact of using technology (i.e.: iPad tablets and a media projector) on student’s social skills in an inspired Reggio Emilia Approach (REA) classroom. The setting was a class of four and five-year-old students in an urban early learning school in Minnesota. The study produced three data sources: 1) Data was collected by choosing three students at random, videotaping them each Wednesday for eight weeks and coding their interactions, 2) a teacher and students’ caregivers completed with questionnaires and 3) a journal with notes and other observations by myself. The study had a four-week …


The Effects Of Music And Movement On Learning Sight Words, Khou Moua May 2023

The Effects Of Music And Movement On Learning Sight Words, Khou Moua

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research aimed to evaluate the effects of music and movement on learning sight words. This study occurred in a public Montessori classroom in a metropolitan area in Minnesota. There were 19 students, ages 4-6, and 10 targeted sight words. Students viewed Jan Richardson and Jack Hartmann’s Sight Word Music videos during the 6-week intervention. In each video, students were encouraged to dance, move, sing, and follow the instructions of the musician. Baseline and post-assessment data, student attitude surveys, video observations, and student activity worksheets were collected and evaluated from 10 kindergarten students. Quantitative data revealed increased student proficiency …


The Impact Of Dialogue Journals And Circles On Social And Self-Awareness In 6th Grade, Karli Mann May 2023

The Impact Of Dialogue Journals And Circles On Social And Self-Awareness In 6th Grade, Karli Mann

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research project aims to measure the social and self-awareness of 6th grade math intervention students in a suburban school in central North Dakota from the end of January to the beginning of March 2023. This study focused on two methods to promote student-teacher relationships and build a classroom community. The two methods employed were Circles for whole group activities and Dialogue Journals for individual correspondence between students and teachers to build that relationship. Surveys were done before and after the six-week intervention to gauge student perceptions on their own emotions, academic, and social-emotional activities in school. Students were …


Literacy Instruction And Student Writing In Middle School Social Studies, Nicole Hedman May 2023

Literacy Instruction And Student Writing In Middle School Social Studies, Nicole Hedman

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The purpose of this action research was to determine whether using daily literacy strategies focusing on writing would make an impact on the scores of a high-level question (HLQ) among middle school social studies students. The research took place over seven weeks in a public suburban midwestern middle school. The population of students in the study included 104 sixth-grade students. The intervention included using various literacy strategies focusing on writing and incorporating reading, speaking, and listening. Data was collected from writing samples, HLQ scores, observations, and a student survey. Some positive effects of the study were an increase in the …


The Effect Of Goal Setting And Reflection On Student Motivation In High School Classrooms, Jodi Clark, Stephanie Moses May 2023

The Effect Of Goal Setting And Reflection On Student Motivation In High School Classrooms, Jodi Clark, Stephanie Moses

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

No abstract provided.


The Effects Of Phonics Instruction On Reading Fluency In An Elementary Classroom, Jill Belrose May 2023

The Effects Of Phonics Instruction On Reading Fluency In An Elementary Classroom, Jill Belrose

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research study aimed to determine the impacts of daily explicit phonics instruction and the impacts on reading fluency levels in a first-grade classroom. The intervention took place over ten weeks and included whole and small-group phonics instruction and independent practice. Seventeen six and seven-year-olds in a suburban elementary school participated in multisensory phonics activities for 20 to 30 minutes daily. Data was collected using seasonal benchmark assessments, teacher observations, and student self-reflections. Findings suggest that explicit phonics instruction increased reading fluency scores, but not significant enough to say it was the sole reason. Further research is needed to …


Breaking Bread: Co-Creating Mindful Eating Practices In Lower Elementary, Katie Keller May 2023

Breaking Bread: Co-Creating Mindful Eating Practices In Lower Elementary, Katie Keller

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The purpose of this research study was to explore the impact of multicultural culinary arts food preparation activities on food neophobia in the Montessori lower elementary classroom. The research study took place over three weeks in a public charter Montessori school, located in St. Louis, MO. Children ages 6-9 years old from one classroom participated in the study. The intervention strategy, based on Social Cognitive Theory, implemented key experience lessons, cosmic stories, and mindful eating strategies. Each food preparation activity lasted approximately 45 minutes and occurred three times a week during the study. The intervention demonstrated repeated exposure and involvement …


The Effectiveness Of Grace And Courtesy Lessons In A Montessori Environment, Megan Green May 2023

The Effectiveness Of Grace And Courtesy Lessons In A Montessori Environment, Megan Green

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This study explored the effectiveness of grace and courtesy lessons in teaching a specific set of social skills to young children as well as how this approach impacts children’s ability to navigate related social situations successfully and independently. Research took place over seven weeks in a Montessori primary environment, comprised of 26 children aged 33 months to six years of age. The school is located in an urban, low socioeconomic area and is a hybrid private early childcare center and K-6 charter school. Research data was gathered in the form of field journal notes to record the presenter’s general thoughts …


Impacts Of Makerspaces And Design Thinking On Creativity In Third-Grade Students, Renae Mcgauvran May 2023

Impacts Of Makerspaces And Design Thinking On Creativity In Third-Grade Students, Renae Mcgauvran

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research aimed to determine the impacts of makerspaces and design thinking on student perceptions of creativity. The study occurred in a rural North Dakota third-grade classroom during science instruction. There were two sections of 17 and 18 students, respectively. Students participated in makerspace activities, including designing and constructing their own paper house or school. Data was collected through pre- and post-surveys, an adjective checklist, and teacher observations of student behavior. Pre-assessment findings suggest students had a relatively positive view of creativity before the intervention. Findings suggest student perceptions of creativity improved following the intervention. Further research on the …


How Does Blended Learning Affect Student Satisfaction And Learning Outcomes In A Secondary Science Classroom?, Lisa Fuccello May 2023

How Does Blended Learning Affect Student Satisfaction And Learning Outcomes In A Secondary Science Classroom?, Lisa Fuccello

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research study consisted of 81 secondary science students in a high school Anatomy and Physiology course in Southeast South Dakota in order to determine how blended learning affected both student satisfaction of the course, as well as the overall learning outcomes and assessment scores. The intervention took place over six weeks with students watching pre-recorded lectures at home while classroom time consisted of hands-on, collaborative activities, online simulations, and review games. Data was gathered using pre- and post-unit student surveys, as well as three summative assessment scores being compared over the last three years. Analysis of the data …


The Effectiveness Of Roleplaying In Teaching Preschoolers Social Skills, Qi Pan May 2023

The Effectiveness Of Roleplaying In Teaching Preschoolers Social Skills, Qi Pan

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of role-play as a means of enhancing the social skills of preschool students in a Montessori setting. A total of 37 children between the ages of two and a half to six years who participated in a five week study. The interventions were conducted once a week for four weeks, during which children took turns participating in simulated scenarios that mirrored their everyday experiences. After the role-play presentation, assessments and group discussions were conducted to evaluate the children's comprehension. The research data was gathered before, during and after the interventions. The researcher …