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Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

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Montessori Parent Education: Supporting Early Childhood Independence Through Social-Emotional Learning, Gloria Boesenberg May 2023

Montessori Parent Education: Supporting Early Childhood Independence Through Social-Emotional Learning, Gloria Boesenberg

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research project evaluated how a one-time parent education session focused on emotional coaching and social-emotional learning affected children’s independence in a small, private Montessori preschool. During the five-week study, children’s task independence and self-management at home and school were assessed by parents and teacher, respectively. Parents reported greater confidence in supporting children’s independence and emotion regulation following the intervention. Both task independence and self-management levels were high at school. While task independence at school did not increase due to parent education, task independence increased at home. There was a trend toward increased self-management at home following intervention, and …


Mindfulness Practice/Mindful Breathing In The Classroom: The Effect On Unwanted Behaviors In The Classroom, Dana Banitt May 2023

Mindfulness Practice/Mindful Breathing In The Classroom: The Effect On Unwanted Behaviors In The Classroom, Dana Banitt

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

"Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine whether implementing mindfulness and mindful breathing, in a classroom setting, would decrease the number of unwanted behaviors in that classroom. The setting for this study was a first-grade classroom of 26 in suburban southeast Minnesota. The study took place for six weeks, two weeks without intervention, and four weeks with three mindfulness intervention techniques (mindful breathing, social-emotional stories, and mindful movement/meditation). Data was collected in five ways: an unwanted behavior tally chart, researcher field notes, specialist teacher questionnaires, individual student mindfulness journals, and one-on-one student conversations. After the six-week intervention, the …


How Does Reading Fluency Affect Reading Comprehension In The Elementary Classroom, Poracha Robinson May 2023

How Does Reading Fluency Affect Reading Comprehension In The Elementary Classroom, Poracha Robinson

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

I conducted a research project at my elementary school. The action research question was how does repeated reading affect reading comprehension in the elementary classroom? The six-week study included third-grade elementary students. To study the impact of repeated reading, students read a fluency sheet for one minute, taking turns. Each week, a comprehension quiz was administered to students to measure their comprehension of the fluency passage read for the week. The study showed that repeated reading had a positive effect on fluency. However, the data failed to show that repeated reading does affect comprehension. More research is needed to confirm …


Effects Of Practical Life Activities And Normalization In The 3–6-Year-Old Classroom, Lori North Dec 2022

Effects Of Practical Life Activities And Normalization In The 3–6-Year-Old Classroom, Lori North

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

"This study aims to determine the effects Practical Life activities have on the process of normalization of students in a Montessori primary classroom. The research took place over six weeks and included 22 participants. Each day the participants were given Practical Life lessons, such as dry pouring, rolling up a work mat, walking around the ellipse, etc. Students who can concentrate and work freely in the Montessori classroom are moving toward normalization. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected to examine the effects of how Practical Life activities assist the process of normalization of children ages 3-6. Findings suggest that …


The Influence Of Yoga And Meditation On Intrinsic Motivation In Early Childhood Education, Nicole Laviolette Dec 2022

The Influence Of Yoga And Meditation On Intrinsic Motivation In Early Childhood Education, Nicole Laviolette

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

"The objective of this action research was to see if daily voluntary yoga and meditation influence intrinsic motivation in a 3-6-year-old Montessori classroom. The time frame of this study was over six weeks in the beginning of the school year at an urban public Montessori school. The children who participated in the study were eighteen 3-6-year-old students. The experiment included using two apps, one for meditation and one for yoga, every morning for forty-five minutes. Children were welcomed to join when they were ready and leave when they felt refreshed. Some positive effects of our research were an increase in …


Focusing On Grace And Courtesy In The Hopes Of Achieving A More Peaceful Classroom Community, Marshetta Davis Dec 2022

Focusing On Grace And Courtesy In The Hopes Of Achieving A More Peaceful Classroom Community, Marshetta Davis

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

Children are at risk of becoming adults who are unable to live, work and thrive together within communities across the United States of America due to lack of respect for themselves, other humans and things in the world which goes along with social courtesies. The researcher was an early childhood education teacher who holds a Montessori certification. For six weeks, the participants in the study were able to focus on Grace and Courtesy lessons in which they participated by observing the teacher modeling care of self, care of others, and care of things with careful attention with, mindful movement, and …


Integrating Montessori Curriculum With State Standards In A Public Montessori School, Brenda Green Dec 2022

Integrating Montessori Curriculum With State Standards In A Public Montessori School, Brenda Green

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research aimed to highlight the benefits of integrating the Montessori Math Curriculum with State Standards in an upper elementary classroom. The performance of the action research took place over six weeks at a public Montessori school. There were seventeen upper elementary participants. Documentation used in this action research was a tally sheet for observable use of Montessori math material, school weekly lesson plans, teacher observation and reflection notes, and student and parent Pre and Post Math Interest Surveys. All lessons were given daily during the morning hours according to the school master's schedule. Some positive effects of this …


Goal Setting And Student Conferencing Action Research Study, Jamie Johnson Dec 2022

Goal Setting And Student Conferencing Action Research Study, Jamie Johnson

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This paper aims to answer the question: “How does student choice, goal setting and student conferencing impact student motivation to continue learning in a Montessori classroom?” The previous research has shown that choice is more motivational for students than no choices. Researchers have different opinions on what the options should look like to be most effective. This research compares these and sees what is most effective with the data. New and older research was used in conjunction with the foundations of the Montessori method to see what fits seamlessly to implement without much effort. The findings are the right combination …


Creativity As A Gateway To Mental Health: A Burnout Recovery Journey, Sarah Keller Dec 2022

Creativity As A Gateway To Mental Health: A Burnout Recovery Journey, Sarah Keller

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This research explored creativity and flow state as a means of overcoming symptoms of burnout and supporting mental wellness. In this self-study the subject participated in creating art using a variety of media for seven weeks. Additionally, the subject kept multiple streams of data to closely examine the main symptoms of stress and burnout, including an in-depth look at sleep patterns. Other data collected included flow achievement, pre and post study surveys, daily journals, and individual session check-ins. Data suggested that over the seven-week period, sleep became more regular and the subject felt better immediately after participating in creative activities. …


Mindfulness, The Effects On Student Trauma And Stress Management, Kayla Clauson Dec 2022

Mindfulness, The Effects On Student Trauma And Stress Management, Kayla Clauson

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This study aimed to determine the effects of mindfulness on student stress and anxiety. This study occurred in a small rural school approximately an hour southwest of Chicago, Illinois. The classroom was a self-contained general education classroom consisting of 15 kindergarteners. All 15 participants were between the ages of five and six. The action research took place over four weeks. Over these four weeks, the researcher taught students mindfulness strategies that included deep breathing exercises and meditation - an awareness of senses and emotions. All 15 students participated in mindfulness daily. Data was collected over the entirety of the study. …


Finding Roots In The Montessori Social Studies Curriculum, Kimberly Torres Dec 2022

Finding Roots In The Montessori Social Studies Curriculum, Kimberly Torres

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research aimed to determine if an equity audit of the Montessori social studies curriculum and learning about the researcher’s culture impacted professional self-efficacy and resilience. This six-week intervention and study was a self-study through daily regimented activities. Three weeks were used to learn more about the researcher’s own culture and history. Three additional weeks were dedicated to the equity audit process, where the researcher revised original lessons or created new, culturally sustaining lessons to augment the curriculum. The data collected was completed daily using four tools: an attitude scale, a guided questionnaire, a reflective journal, and finally during …


The Effects Of Envoy On The Middle School Social Studies Classroom Behaviors, Christine Karst Aug 2022

The Effects Of Envoy On The Middle School Social Studies Classroom Behaviors, Christine Karst

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The aim of this study was to determine if ENVoY is an effective classroom management tool to use in a 7th-grade social studies classroom. There was a need to reduce the amount of time spent on stopping unwanted classroom behaviors, such as blurting and being off task. This research was completed over a six-week period in a suburban school. Data was collected using four different methods and completed multiple times throughout the research period. Classroom observations were conducted and behaviors were tallied. Students completed self-assessments asking them to reflect on four different behavioral criteria. Data was also collected using teacher-student …


The Relationship Between Multisensory Learning And Phonemic Awareness And Letter Identification In Kindergarten, Justine J. Beyer Aug 2022

The Relationship Between Multisensory Learning And Phonemic Awareness And Letter Identification In Kindergarten, Justine J. Beyer

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the relationship between multisensory learning and phonemic awareness and letter identification in Kindergarten. The researcher wanted to determine the positive or negative correlation between a multisensory approach to teaching and a student’s overall ability to increase retention capabilities. The seven-week intervention took place in an elementary school located in the Midwest. The intervention participants were six Kindergarten students from the researcher’s classroom. The students were selected based on their past assessment data, specifically regarding letter names/sounds. Instructional methods used were small group, teacher lead, hands on activities that qualified as a multisensory …


Sealing The Cracks: An Examination Of Using Special Education Accommodations In The General Education Classroom, Luke C. Olley Aug 2022

Sealing The Cracks: An Examination Of Using Special Education Accommodations In The General Education Classroom, Luke C. Olley

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

"Abstract This action research project aims to understand how accommodations typically reserved for students with documented academic needs can aid students without these plans while simultaneously preserving academic rigor and integrity. The desire for this research came out of the need to help students that slipped through cracks of the education system–they did not have or desire formal academic accommodations but may have had the need. These students may have had good enough grades to avoid detection or referrals but could have still benefited from a more intentional approach. This project surveyed students about their own views of their writing …


The Effects Of Goal Setting And Self-Reflection On Student Work Completion And Work Habits In A Montessori Upper Elementary Environment, Kari F. Frentzel Aug 2022

The Effects Of Goal Setting And Self-Reflection On Student Work Completion And Work Habits In A Montessori Upper Elementary Environment, Kari F. Frentzel

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This study implemented goal setting and self-reflection as self-regulated learning strategies and explored how these affected student work completion and on-task behavior. Students in this environment struggled with self-regulated learning and were observed to not complete work on time and needed redirection to focus on work during the work cycle. The study took place in an upper elementary Montessori environment at a private international school. Thirteen 4th grade students (ages 9-10) participated in the study. During this study, students were given lessons on goal setting and self-reflection and had group discussions about effective goal setting. Students set daily goals for …


The Impact Of Mindfulness Activities On Teacher Stress And Student Behavior In A Second Grade Classroom, Michelle Wegrzyn Aug 2022

The Impact Of Mindfulness Activities On Teacher Stress And Student Behavior In A Second Grade Classroom, Michelle Wegrzyn

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

Teachers experience high levels of stress due to the demands of their profession. The purpose of this study is to determine how engaging in ten minutes of mindfulness each day can affect teacher stress and student behavior in a. The researcher-participant was a female teacher in a private, suburban school. Five days a week for six week, the participant engaged in at least ten minutes of mindfulness per day, recording her stress levels before and after the intervention each day and weekly through different means of data collection. The study used pre-, mid-, and post-intervention questionnaires, daily journals, weekly questionnaires, …


The Effects Of Daily Explicit Phonics Instruction On Reading Fluency In First Grade, Allison M. Johnson Aug 2022

The Effects Of Daily Explicit Phonics Instruction On Reading Fluency In First Grade, Allison M. Johnson

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The purpose of this paper was to examine the effects of daily phonics instruction on first grade oral reading fluency scores. This 10-week intervention took place in a suburban first grade classroom through whole group and small group instruction. Data was collected using a pre and post confidence interview, weekly written formative assessments, standardized testing, and seasonal benchmark fluency testing. An increase in oral reading fluency was demonstrated following the implementation of daily phonics instruction, but not significant enough to say that the phonics instruction was the sole reasoning for the small increase in fluency scores. Research should continue to …


Improving Student Concentration Through Caregiver Education, Arianna Fearing Aug 2022

Improving Student Concentration Through Caregiver Education, Arianna Fearing

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research was conducted in a primary classroom at a Montessori school. Using caregiver education that focused on the importance of limiting screen time, it aimed to increase student concentration during the work cycles. The research collected data through pre and post caregiver attitude scales and questionnaires as well as concentration and observation logs during the morning work cycles. Utilizing both qualitative and quantitative research methods, the data revealed a successful intervention with an increase in student concentration. This study can serve as a framework for future research projects that look at how caregiver education, focusing on different topics, …


Efficacy Of Community Building In Adult Online Learning Environments, Meghan Jennifer Gwin Anson M.Ed. Aug 2022

Efficacy Of Community Building In Adult Online Learning Environments, Meghan Jennifer Gwin Anson M.Ed.

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This qualitative research study was conducted during synchronous class sessions with adult learners enrolled in an online Montessori teacher education program. The aim was to determine which techniques were being used to facilitate adult learning in an online learning environment. The research collected data through data tools designed to record the observed behaviors of participants engaged in online synchronous class sessions. The data revealed the use of learning techniques beneficial to developing self-confidence, community building, and knowledge acquisition by utilizing qualitative and quantitative research methods. This study can serve as a framework for future research projects focusing on adult learning …


A Prepared Environment At Home For One Adolescent: The Effect Of Exercises Of Practical Life On Self-Regulation Of An Adolescent, Melissa Herrick Franzen Aug 2022

A Prepared Environment At Home For One Adolescent: The Effect Of Exercises Of Practical Life On Self-Regulation Of An Adolescent, Melissa Herrick Franzen

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research project investigated the effect of exercises of practical life on the self regulation of an adolescent in his prepared environment at home. Participants included two parents (of which one was the researcher) and one adolescent boy aged sixteen. The research took place over seven weeks in the home of the adolescent. The researcher prepared areas of the house to create a setting for practical life exercises. A pre-attitude scale for the adolescent and pre assessments for the parents and the adolescent provided baseline data. This data supported the selection and design of the eight materials for the …


"Mindfulness Breathing In Support Of Emotional Self-Regulation In A Montessori Upper Elementary Environment", Emily Farris Aug 2022

"Mindfulness Breathing In Support Of Emotional Self-Regulation In A Montessori Upper Elementary Environment", Emily Farris

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The purpose of this research was to examine whether the implementation of mindfulness breathing exercises aided in emotional self-regulation. This study incorporated various breathing techniques five days a week for five to ten minutes each day. The six-week study involved 14 children between the ages of 9 and 12 years in a private Montessori school in the southern region of the United States. Data collection included daily observations of the breathing exercises, pre and post-behavioral self-assessments, a daily reflection tool by the researcher, and a student feedback form. Results showed an increase in regulated behavior and breathing techniques being used …


The Impact Of Peer-Mediated Support On Social Interactions In A Middle School Inclusive Setting, Adam (Aj) J. Naatz Aug 2022

The Impact Of Peer-Mediated Support On Social Interactions In A Middle School Inclusive Setting, Adam (Aj) J. Naatz

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of a peer-mediated support model in an inclusive middle school setting. The study includes a general education teacher, a paraprofessional, and 24 students enrolled in a Ceramics and Sculpture class. More specifically, 20 general education students and four students with Developmental Cognitive Delay (DCD). The inclusive class participated in a peer-mediated support model in which general education students engaged in social interactions and peer-academic support with their peers with DCD. The general education teacher and paraprofessional encouraged interactions and modeled for general education students how to provide support to their …


The Impact Of Read Aloud Summarizing Practice For English High School Students At An Online School, Samantha Savoie Aug 2022

The Impact Of Read Aloud Summarizing Practice For English High School Students At An Online School, Samantha Savoie

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research contains interventions relating to reading comprehension skills for high school students who are not reading at grade level, specifically ninth grade. Interventions include think aloud (Smith, 2006), re-reading (Hedin et al, 2010), and immediate summarizing (What Works Clearinghouse, 2020). It is also important to note that simply adding additional reading interventions can be useful in itself (Kidron et al, 2014). Students who have choice in their reading (Marchand-Martella et al, 2013) and the intrinsic motivation to use these strategies (Lepper et al, 2005) can raise their reading levels in general. This paper will exhibit the intervention strategies …


Examining The Impact Of Student-Centered Teaching Practices On Ownership And Belonging In A Middle School Orchestra Classroom, Claire Dill Jul 2022

Examining The Impact Of Student-Centered Teaching Practices On Ownership And Belonging In A Middle School Orchestra Classroom, Claire Dill

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of student-centered practices on the ownership and belonging of seventh-grade orchestra students. The student-centered practices, based in the theory of social constructivism, consisted of a project in which students worked in small groups to teach a vocabulary term and skill to the class, as well as the routines of class discussions, classroom jobs, and a seat-rotation system. The implementation of the study was documented in a daily teacher journal. Data on students’ ownership of the musical process and sense of belonging in the orchestra was collected through a bi-weekly student …


The Impact Of Reflective Feedback Strategies On Learning Behaviors On Seventh-Grade Social Studies Students, James Seegebarth Jul 2022

The Impact Of Reflective Feedback Strategies On Learning Behaviors On Seventh-Grade Social Studies Students, James Seegebarth

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

"The purpose of this action research was to determine the impact of reflective feedback strategies on learning behaviors of seventh-grade social studies students. This study was conducted in an urban middle school in the Midwest region of the United States and included 37 seventh grade participants. The theoretical framework used for this study was supported by constructivist theory using a self-regulated learning model. Data was collected using reflection sheets and quiz scores collected weekly for six weeks. Students were tasked with reflecting on their academic behaviors following their quiz score and asked to create a plan of action to improve …


Improving Assessment Outcomes In Algebra And Functions Through Concrete Materials And Direct Instruction, Sandra Deacon, Courtney Pillers May 2022

Improving Assessment Outcomes In Algebra And Functions Through Concrete Materials And Direct Instruction, Sandra Deacon, Courtney Pillers

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

Critical thinking consists of the mental processes, strategies, and representations individuals use to solve problems, make decisions, and learn new concepts. We observed our 6th-year students struggling with algebra functions and problem-solving. These observations motivated us to engage in active research to improve the students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills. We administered interventions that supported the language transfer between traditional mathematical language and Montessori mathematical terms. We utilized direct instruction with concrete algebra materials to lead the students to abstract work in algebra. We also used formal assessments and observations to decide what lessons the students should get next. Our …


"What Are The Effects Of Parental Informational Nights/Parenting Classes On The Parent’S Understanding Of The Montessori Method?", Mackenzie Brown, Kayla Gamble May 2022

"What Are The Effects Of Parental Informational Nights/Parenting Classes On The Parent’S Understanding Of The Montessori Method?", Mackenzie Brown, Kayla Gamble

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

"This action research paper aimed to identify the benefits of parent informational classes within the Montessori method. Parents participated in three informational sessions. The sessions discussed Montessori philosophy and each of the core areas in the Montessori classroom. Data was measured using pre-and post-surveys, allowing parents to elaborate on their understanding. Parents were also able to provide questions and feedback regarding areas they desired to learn more. Parents expressed that the informative classes provided them a better understanding of the Montessori philosophy and provided ideas for incorporating the method into their homes. The research concluded the importance of involving and …


The Impact On School Progress Of Building A Child's Self-Efficacy At Home, Diana Wali Eddine May 2022

The Impact On School Progress Of Building A Child's Self-Efficacy At Home, Diana Wali Eddine

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This study was conducted to better understand the impact on school progress of building a child's self-efficacy at home. During a parent-teacher conference, the teacher highlighted that my daughter lacks self-confidence in her ability to solve problems independently and avoids challenging tasks, which negatively affects her school progress. My daughter is a second-grader and the only participant in this study. The 5-week intervention focused on building my daughter's self-efficacy at home through reading inspiring books and practicing mindfulness activities. Quantitative data analysis showed a 16% increase in academic growth and a 10% increase in social growth and completed a full …


Self-Efficacy And Critical Race Theory: The Emotions And Identity Of A Montessori Teacher, Marisa Tuffiash May 2022

Self-Efficacy And Critical Race Theory: The Emotions And Identity Of A Montessori Teacher, Marisa Tuffiash

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research project investigated how anti-critical race theory (CRT) legislation in public education has impacted the perceived self-efficacy and emotions of one Montessori educator. This 4- week self-study consisted of daily assigned reading, weekly media, and a weekly conversation to aid in multicultural critical reflective practice (MCRP). Data was measured using a pre-and post- self assessment on Qualtrics, a daily mood app, and daily critical journal reflections. The pre-and post assessment demonstrated an increase in self-efficacy to speak with confidence about the origins of CRT in education research. Daily critical journal reflections displayed an increase in the ability to …


The Effects Of Inquiry-Based Activities On Content Vocabulary Retention In 4th-Grade Science Students, Jillian Burns May 2022

The Effects Of Inquiry-Based Activities On Content Vocabulary Retention In 4th-Grade Science Students, Jillian Burns

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research project studied the effects of inquiry-based activities on content vocabulary retention in a fourth-grade science classroom in central Minnesota at a rural elementary school. Content vocabulary words specific to the rocks and minerals unit were introduced to students through the use of four different strategies, Time to Talk, Text Cards, Word Bank, and Graphic Organizers. Students completed various hands-on inquiry-based activities during their science lessons one to two times per week throughout thirteen weeks. The research utilized qualitative and quantitative data collection research methods; findings show that all students can strengthen their content vocabulary knowledge and retention …