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Articles 1 - 30 of 45
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Beneficial Effects Of Practical Life Activities And Normalization, Leah Linebarger
Beneficial Effects Of Practical Life Activities And Normalization, Leah Linebarger
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
This action research project investigated the effects on involving children in the practical life curriculum on normalization in the Montessori toddler and primary classrooms. 30 students, their parents and 7 teachers were participants. 12 students and their parents were from a toddler classroom and 18 from two separate primary classrooms. Data was collected pre and post study via questionnaires on the parents’ goals for their children. Many of the goals listed such as socialization skills, independence and emotional stability can be met through engaging the child in practical life activities and as the child meets these goals should normalize. A …
The Effects Of Mindfulness On Students’ Attention, Rose Bringus
The Effects Of Mindfulness On Students’ Attention, Rose Bringus
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
This action research project examined the effects of mindfulness and meditation on concentration among elementary students. The research was conducted at a private Montessori school in an upper elementary classroom for twenty-six children ages nine to twelve. Baseline data was collected for three consecutive days. The intervention was implemented for four weeks. The teacher led the students in mindful movements in the morning and daily meditation took place in the afternoon. The average percent of on-task behavior was collected for baseline data using observational records and journal notes. Observational records included what percent of the class was on-task for specific …
The Effects Of Movement Interventions On Focus And Concentration In Toddler Montessori Classrooms, Munir Shivji
The Effects Of Movement Interventions On Focus And Concentration In Toddler Montessori Classrooms, Munir Shivji
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
The purpose of this action research was to determine the effects of movement activities on focus and concentration in toddler Montessori classrooms. Evidence supports the connection between purposeful movement and levels of concentration. Both quantitative and qualitative data of three toddler-aged classes was collected through the use of a pre and post questionnaires, checklists and observational record keeping. The intervention took place over a period of six weeks at an independent school setting with 24 students ages 21 months to 3 years. The results showed the students focus and concentration levels increased during the Montessori uninterrupted morning work cycle when …
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 …
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 …
The Effects Of Mindfulness Practices And Activities On Student Attention And Work Engagement In A Multi-Age 4th To 6th Grade Montessori Classroom, Jamie L. Schaub
The Effects Of Mindfulness Practices And Activities On Student Attention And Work Engagement In A Multi-Age 4th To 6th Grade Montessori Classroom, Jamie L. Schaub
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
The purpose of this research was to test whether the implementation of mindfulness exercises would increase focus and work engagement of students. This study incorporated breathing and visualization exercises three times a week. The 5-week study involved 44 children between the ages of 9 and 12 years in a private Montessori school in Northern Michigan. Data collection included daily tallies of on and off task behavior, daily observations of work engagement, pre and post questionnaires about mindfulness completed by each child, and oneon- one discussions with each participant. Results showed an increase in the number of students on task and …
Communication And Conflict Resolution In Early Childhood, Alyssa K. Ringgenberg
Communication And Conflict Resolution In Early Childhood, Alyssa K. Ringgenberg
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
The importance of teaching communication and conflict resolution skills in early childhood is explored in this action research. Previous research suggests that young children are capable of learning conflict resolution skills from an early age. After observing that conflict resolution was not successfully addressed in many different classroom environments, the need to research and model clear, compassionate language was apparent. This study was conducted in a Montessori classroom of 21 children, ages three to six. Within the framework of Nonviolent Communication (NVC), the children learned to voice their feelings, hear others, and have their personal needs met. I recorded reports …
Work Conferences And Student Engagement, Hannah K. Ebner
Work Conferences And Student Engagement, Hannah K. Ebner
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
WORK CONFERENCES AND STUDENT ENGAGEMENT 2 Abstract The purpose of this research was to determine the impact of individual, weekly work conferences on students' levels of intrinsic motivation, work engagement, and enthusiasm for learning. The study was conducted with 28 fourth through sixth graders in a mixedage, public Montessori classroom. Data was collected as notes during teacher observations, conversations with students, and during the work conferences themselves. Accountability and relational support increased through student-teacher dialogue about work. These two factors improved the overall student productivity, enthusiasm, and organization, as well as the work culture of the classroom. The conferences helped …
The Effects Of Purposeful Physical Activity On Student Concentration In A Montessori Children’S House, Sheena M. Goerg
The Effects Of Purposeful Physical Activity On Student Concentration In A Montessori Children’S House, Sheena M. Goerg
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
The purpose of this action research was to determine the impact of purposeful gross-motor movements on student concentration in a Montessori Children’s House. The intervention took place over a period of eight weeks in a private Montessori school in a “Children’s House” of 20 primary aged children (ages 2.5 to 6). Data was collected using hourly observations of the concentration levels of the class as a whole prior to and after implementation; tally sheets reflecting daily use of movement materials, daily reflective journals, and interviews with the children. Results show concentration levels were positively affected by the use of the …
Helping Third-Grade Students With Task Management In A Montessori Classroom, Jessica H. Fabel
Helping Third-Grade Students With Task Management In A Montessori Classroom, Jessica H. Fabel
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
HELPING STUDENTS WITH TASK MANAGEMENT 2 Abstract In this study, ten third-grade students in a Montessori classroom were observed and encouraged to discover strategies to help them manage their coursework. The teacher facilitated individual conferences with each student that focused on developing specific independent work time strategies. The students also had the opportunity to assemble a portfolio and to reflect on their progress. In addition, quantitative data was collected that focused on student engagement and work completion. The study revealed that students were drawn to larger projects, particularly in history and geography. They were also drawn to work that would …
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.
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. …