Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
- Discipline
-
- Educational Methods (45)
- Educational Psychology (27)
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research (16)
- Curriculum and Instruction (7)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development (7)
-
- Pre-Elementary, Early Childhood, Kindergarten Teacher Education (5)
- Educational Leadership (4)
- Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education (2)
- Other Education (2)
- Art Education (1)
- Curriculum and Social Inquiry (1)
- Early Childhood Education (1)
- Elementary Education and Teaching (1)
- Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education (1)
- Keyword
-
- Montessori (17)
- Mindfulness (7)
- Preschool (7)
- Focus (6)
- Elementary (5)
-
- Meditation (5)
- Collaboration (4)
- Concentration (4)
- Self-regulation (4)
- Engagement (3)
- Reading fluency (3)
- Transitions (3)
- Vocabulary (3)
- Aggressive behavior (2)
- Attention (2)
- Behavior (2)
- Close reading (2)
- Communication (2)
- Community (2)
- Comprehension (2)
- Conflict (2)
- Creativity (2)
- Early childhood (2)
- Education (2)
- Inquiry (2)
- Intrinsic motivation (2)
- Kindergarten (2)
- Literacy (2)
- Mathematics (2)
- Motivation (2)
Articles 31 - 60 of 71
Full-Text Articles in Education
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 …
Effective Strategies For Increasing Basic Math Fact Fluency, Laura Hoelscher
Effective Strategies For Increasing Basic Math Fact Fluency, Laura Hoelscher
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
The action research study was conducted to focus on improving math fact fluency through the teaching of strategies. It was done in a small group setting with second and third grade students at a suburban school in Minnesota. These particular students receive Title I math intervention 30 minutes a day because they are considered high risk for not meeting the grade level targets in math. Preassessment data were collected using student feedback forms to determine their feelings toward math fact practice and baseline assessments to determine their math fact fluency ability. After the pretests, they completed activities to practice each …
The Effects Of Frequent Formative Assessment And Feedback On Summative Assessment, Matthew Schugel
The Effects Of Frequent Formative Assessment And Feedback On Summative Assessment, Matthew Schugel
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
The purpose of this action research was to investigate the effects of frequent formative assessment and feedback on the summative assessment. The research took place over a four week period in two Algebra 9 classes with 58 participants. The participants completed a check in form at the beginning and end of the unit, three to five daily quizzes each week, and could participate in a discussion group at the end of the unit. The researcher provided feedback and kept a journal with observations. The data sources were analyzed and the researcher found students who took daily quizzes outperformed those who …
The Relationship Between Parental Involvement And Increasing First Grade Fluency Scores, Mckenzie Larson, Kelly Ogren
The Relationship Between Parental Involvement And Increasing First Grade Fluency Scores, Mckenzie Larson, Kelly Ogren
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
The purpose of this study was to examine what positive outcomes, if any, does parent involvement in the home have on first grade student’s fluency scores. After permission from parents was given, twelve first grade students, along with their parents, were chosen to participate in the six-week study. Throughout six-weeks, students practiced repeated readings, completed sight word activities, fluency activities, and nonsense word activities. These activities were completed at home with the assistance from parents. Students were also tested two times per week on fluency readings in the classroom. Data collected throughout the study included a parent survey, pre and …
Grammar Instructional Strategies And Application, Brandon Becker, Jacob Westman
Grammar Instructional Strategies And Application, Brandon Becker, Jacob Westman
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
The purpose of this action research study was to determine the effects of sentence combining strategies and practice on the understanding of grammatical rules concerning conjunctions and the efficacy and clarity of student writing. The study took place in two middle school classes during a fiveweek timeline. A single sixth grade class of 29 students and a single seventh grade class of 29 students participated in the study. Teaching strategies included the use of preassessments, checkpoints, classroom practice, and postassessments that covered conjunction identification, application, and the ability to distinguish between a correct and incorrect clause and idea combinations. Informal …
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 …
Developing Fluent First-Grade Readers Using Repeated Readings, Gina Bernhagen, Angela Fischer, Jana Job
Developing Fluent First-Grade Readers Using Repeated Readings, Gina Bernhagen, Angela Fischer, Jana Job
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
The purpose of this study was to investigate what effects, if any, the implementation of repeated readings, as an intervention, has on first-grade students’ reading fluency. Baseline data was collected, and twelve first-grade students were chosen to participate in the small group repeated reading intervention. Throughout the six-week repeated readings intervention, students practiced short vowel word lists, short leveled passages, and sight word lists until these words became automatic and fluency and accuracy increased. Data collected during this study included benchmark Fountas and Pinnell reading level assessments, benchmark AIMSweb R-CBM assessments, AIMSweb R-CBM progress monitoring, short grade-level passages and sight …
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 …
Filling The Gap: Phonological Awareness Activities For A Montessori Kindergarten, Shauna A. Aranas
Filling The Gap: Phonological Awareness Activities For A Montessori Kindergarten, Shauna A. Aranas
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
Phonological Awareness in Kindergarten 2 Abstract This action research was conducted to determine if small group explicit phonological awareness (PA) instruction using materials from Early Reading Mastery (Klein, 2015) and Words Their Way (Bear et al., 2006) would increase students’ ability to segment phonemes (i.e., break words into sounds) and build three letter consonant-vowel-consonant (CVC) words. The research was completed in a full-day public suburban Montessori kindergarten. Data was collected using phonological awareness tests, a teacher adapted spelling test, tally sheet, and researcher’s log. Pre-test data was used to create homogenous small groups for the four-week intervention. Explicitly worded lessons …
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 …
Implementing Technology In The Primary Montessori Classroom, Mitzi R. Jones
Implementing Technology In The Primary Montessori Classroom, Mitzi R. Jones
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
TECHNOLOGY IN THE PRIMARY MONTESSORI CLASSROOM 2 Abstract The purpose of this research was to find out if implementing technology that parallels the Montessori language sequence would increase student engagement with literacy work. Would an increase in student interest facilitate the potential for them to meet the expected goals for alphabetic knowledge? This study was conducted in a primary Montessori classroom consisting of four year-old students identified as being “at risk” for school readiness. Prior to beginning the project, observations of student work with the language materials was conducted to create a log of lessons completed by each student. An …
Implementation Of Self-Regulation And Conflict Resolution Strategies Through Conscious Discipline In An Early Childhood Classroom, Alyssa F. Dapolito
Implementation Of Self-Regulation And Conflict Resolution Strategies Through Conscious Discipline In An Early Childhood Classroom, Alyssa F. Dapolito
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
CONSCIOUS DISCIPLINE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD 2 Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine if implementing Conscious Discipline® methods would improve self-regulation and conflict resolution strategies. The action research took place over six weeks in a Montessori classroom with 30 students ranging from 3-6 years old; however, the participants were eight specific four or five year old male students. Four data collection tools were used throughout the intervention; a pre and post intervention survey, a weekly behavioral observation, a student reflection, and an end-of-day self-reflection form. After analyzing the data, evidence showed improved behaviors. By implementing Conscious Discipline®, students …
The Effects Of Purposeful Work, Structured Play, And Leadership Meetings On Aggressive And Destructive Behaviors, Hannah R. Cohen
The Effects Of Purposeful Work, Structured Play, And Leadership Meetings On Aggressive And Destructive Behaviors, Hannah R. Cohen
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
The purpose of this research was to examine whether purposeful work, structured play, and student led leadership meetings would decrease aggressive and destructive behaviors occurring in a school’s outdoor spaces. This study incorporated student leadership meetings, structured games, and outdoor purposeful works. This seven-week study involved 30 children between the ages of 2.5 and six years in a private Montessori school in a suburban area. An analysis of results revealed that when new purposeful works were introduced aggressive behaviors would temporarily increase, then decrease for a two to three week period of time, and eventually return to the starting level.
Increasing Motivation To Improve Reading Comprehension, Katelyn Larson, Kelsey Ledger, Ashley Mastel
Increasing Motivation To Improve Reading Comprehension, Katelyn Larson, Kelsey Ledger, Ashley Mastel
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
This action research study focused on the effects implementing multiple reading strategies and reading activities had on student reading comprehension and motivation. Research was conducted with 56 students from a first grade, fifth grade, and seventh grade classroom. Data was collected from comprehension assessments, teacher observations, and the implementation of a book challenge adapted from The Book Whisperer: Awakening the Inner Reader in Every Child by Donalyn Miller. Activities from the book challenge included student self reflections, book reviews, reading journals, and student to teacher letter correspondences about reading experiences. Results indicated that student reading comprehension in each classroom improved …
Close Reading Strategies For Difficult Text: The Effects On Comprehension And Analysis At The Secondary Level, Kimberly Goblirsch
Close Reading Strategies For Difficult Text: The Effects On Comprehension And Analysis At The Secondary Level, Kimberly Goblirsch
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
Literacy skills are an essential component in transitioning from learning to read to reading to learn. But reading to learn has several levels of difficulty. This research focuses on exploring in what ways close reading strategies of difficult text can impact comprehension and analysis. The participants of the intervention were ninth-grade students of various reading ability levels at a rural public high school. During the six-week period, students used formative assessments, annotations, and written responses to determine if gains in comprehension and analysis scores can be connected. The pre- and post-intervention data reflects how students achieved with and without close …
Finding Better Ways: Exploring Techniques To Support Native American And Low-Income Students In A Middle School, Wade Curren, Julie Curren, Caitlin Draper, Ben Schiermeister
Finding Better Ways: Exploring Techniques To Support Native American And Low-Income Students In A Middle School, Wade Curren, Julie Curren, Caitlin Draper, Ben Schiermeister
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
This paper explored four techniques middle school educators used to increase the academic success and engagement of Native American and low-income students in the classrooms. Two researchers studied the effects of relationship building and culturally relevant writing curriculum on student engagement. The other two researchers studied the effects of vocabulary instruction and differentiated assessments on student academic success. Twenty four Native American or low income students in grades 6 through 8 were studied. Data was collected through student surveys, observations, and assessment results to determine the effectiveness of these four strategies. The researchers found that the relationship building and culturally …
Increasing Number Sense Through Mathematical Discourse In The Primary Classroom, Julie Danielowski
Increasing Number Sense Through Mathematical Discourse In The Primary Classroom, Julie Danielowski
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
The purpose of this action research is to explore the ways mathematical discourse effects number sense in the primary classroom. A study was done in a first grade classroom with 18 students to determine if increasing mathematical discourse in the classroom through the use of “Number Talks” by Parrish and “5 Practices for Orchestrating Mathematical Discussions” by Smith and Stein, student number sense will increase. The findings suggest that through effective questioning in whole-group and small-group instruction, open- strategy sharing, and quantitative imagery, students’ number sense will increase. Students in classrooms with rich mathematical discourse will potentially become more comfortable …
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 …
A Blended Learning Approach To Increasing Student Achievement In A Sixth Grade Mathematics Classroom Using Flipped Classroom With Tiered Activities, Krystal Peterson
A Blended Learning Approach To Increasing Student Achievement In A Sixth Grade Mathematics Classroom Using Flipped Classroom With Tiered Activities, Krystal Peterson
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
This study was designed to examine the impacts of a blended learning classroom on student achievement by implementing the flipped classroom paired with tiered activities. Throughout the twenty-two day study, four sixth-grade mathematics classrooms were asked to view and take notes on teacher-created instructional videos outside of the classroom and complete individual chosen activities for a specific letter grade. Data sources included pre-assessments, reports of video completion and lesson checks through the use of Schoology.com, post-assessments, and a student survey. Results showed increases in student achievement over two chapters in daily lesson checks and quizzes. The blended learning strategy proved …
Grace In The Face Of Conflict: Can Grace And Courtesy And Peace Curriculum Lessons Create A Peaceful Classroom?, Baer A. Hanusz-Rajkowski
Grace In The Face Of Conflict: Can Grace And Courtesy And Peace Curriculum Lessons Create A Peaceful Classroom?, Baer A. Hanusz-Rajkowski
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
GRACE IN THE FACE OF CONFLICT 2 Abstract The purpose of the study was to determine if consistent and purposeful Grace and Courtesy lessons would result in a decrease in student conflicts and disruptive behaviors. The study was conducted in a private Montessori school in Metropolitan NYC. The subjects were 21 Early Childhood (ages 3 to 6) students. Sources of data included a checklist of Grace and Courtesy lessons, a Zone Map to document places of conflicts/disturbances, and a Redirection/Incident journal documenting redirections and incidents by child, and the lessons given them. The conclusion was that there was not enough …
The Effects Of Meditative Activities For Primary-Aged Children, Vanessa I. Padua-Evans
The Effects Of Meditative Activities For Primary-Aged Children, Vanessa I. Padua-Evans
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
The purpose of this research was to optimize the development of the will, a level of self-regulation, and cognitive function of primary-aged children through the habitual use of designated meditative activities. Past research and studies relating to meditation, neuroscience, the sensory needs of children and human development have determined that age-appropriate meditation exercises with preschool children would foster the development of self-regulation (Schwatz, 2011; Semple, Lee & Rosa, Miller, 2009; Thompson & Raisor, 2013; Zelazo & Lyons 2011). This four week study integrated tangible meditation tools and outlets: a yoga mat, bolster, a booklet with pictures of four restorative yoga …
The Effects Of Reviewing A School’S Mission And Vision On Teacher Stress, Erica J. Adams
The Effects Of Reviewing A School’S Mission And Vision On Teacher Stress, Erica J. Adams
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
The purpose of this study was to see what effect reviewing a school’s mission and vision would have on teacher stress in an urban, public charter Montessori school located in the Midwest. Four teachers participated in this research over the course of three weeks. Teachers were given laminated notecards containing the school’s mission and vision statements and were asked to read the notecards throughout their days and to log when they read these notecards. Teachers completed pre and post-intervention attitude scales to gauge perceived stress levels. Teachers were invited to take notes throughout the intervention, and I wrote a narrative …
The Effects Of A Collaborative Team On Early Intervention In A Preschool, Tiffany L. James
The Effects Of A Collaborative Team On Early Intervention In A Preschool, Tiffany L. James
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
Abstract The purpose of this project was to see what effects collaboration had on early intervention in a preschool. Fourteen guides at a Montessori preschool in Texas were asked to complete a beginning survey, attend weekly collaborative meetings for seven weeks, attend a focus group and complete an ending survey. Data showed that collaboration helped the teachers feel more valued and supported when helping all kinds of different learners. For the purpose of this study, different learners included children with behavioral concerns, learning disabilities and support needs. Interventions ranged from activities or exercises for individual children to lessons given to …
Using Technology To Aid In The Differentiation Of Mathematics In A Sixth Grade Classroom, Abigail Morales
Using Technology To Aid In The Differentiation Of Mathematics In A Sixth Grade Classroom, Abigail Morales
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
This Action Research examines the effects of using an interactive, adaptive software program, Front Row, in helping a sixth grade teacher to differentiate mathematics. Ten students who go to a parochial school in a rural, midwestern community were included in the study. The data collection tools included a pre-research reflection, a journal of teacher observations, a daily student questionnaire, computer generated reports, a mid-research reflection, and a post-research reflection. Overall, this research showed an average growth of 1.74 years, or 44.9 percent with regard to grade level equivalency. This growth indicates the students’ ability to perform mathematics skills independently. Due …