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Full-Text Articles in Education

The Effects Of Reading Fluency In The Elementary Montessori Classroom, Melissa R. Bullerman, Ashley M. Godinez May 2016

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 …


Grace In The Face Of Conflict: Can Grace And Courtesy And Peace Curriculum Lessons Create A Peaceful Classroom?, Baer A. Hanusz-Rajkowski May 2016

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 May 2016

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 A Collaborative Team On Early Intervention In A Preschool, Tiffany L. James Jan 2016

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 …


Student Involvement In Gardens And Healthier Food Choices, Brittany Masters Jan 2016

Student Involvement In Gardens And Healthier Food Choices, Brittany Masters

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This Action Research Project measured the correlation between extended gardening time and the amount of produce eaten by Montessori students. The project took place at a Montessori Preschool and Kindergarten in Southern California, at a school licensed for 75 children. Journals, pictures, and behavior logs of the children were taken each week. Food tallies were also collected the first and last weeks of the project. While the number of pieces of produce consumed by children did not increase in the four weeks, the amount of language and interaction in the garden and at lunchtime did. The conclusion is that extended …


Purposeful Movement In An Early Childhood Classroom, Dana H. Mccabe Jan 2016

Purposeful Movement In An Early Childhood Classroom, Dana H. Mccabe

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The purpose of this action research was to determine the effects of physical activity through purposeful movement on behaviors and the ability to focus in a mixed-age Montessori Early Childhood classroom. The intervention took place over a period of six weeks in an independent school setting with 17 children ages 2.5 to 6. Data was collected using observation tallies and notes, a teacher journal, and interviews with the children. Results show some of the children’s behaviors were positively affected by the use of specific movement materials. Although there was not much change observed, the intervention appeared to help some children …


Valorization Of The Adolescent Personality, Maribeth Brown Jan 2016

Valorization Of The Adolescent Personality, Maribeth Brown

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

Abstract The aim of this research was to understand how out-of-classroom experiences, such as farm work and service work positively impacts the development of the Montessori adolescent student. The eleven characteristics of valorization, defined by John Long (2001) were used to evaluate how students progressed towards this goal of valorization in the Montessori adolescent program. Sixteen secondary students were exposed to “going out” experiences over a six-week period. Socratic seminar, peer, self and teacher observations and assessments were used to collect data, as well as daily evaluations of student behaviors related to valorization and a pre and post test self-esteem …


Mindfulness-Based Practice In An Elementary Classroom, Lauren M. Coiner Jan 2016

Mindfulness-Based Practice In An Elementary Classroom, Lauren M. Coiner

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

Abstract The purpose of this research was to teach children how to control and deepen their focus through mindfulness practice. The study integrated a daily practice of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) movements, breathing, and focus training. The six-­‐week study involved fourteen children between the ages of 5 and 9 years from a private school in the Bay Area of California. Data collection included a pre-­‐and post-­‐ assessment for each child, daily observations, and parent observations. Results of the pre-­‐and post-­‐assessments revealed mixed opinions on the connection between deepened focus and mindfulness practice. Observation data showed an overall increase in …


T He Effects Of Work Journals, Portfolios, And Cosmic Education On Intrinsic Motivation In An Upper Elementary Montessori Environment, Heather R. Brown Jan 2016

T He Effects Of Work Journals, Portfolios, And Cosmic Education On Intrinsic Motivation In An Upper Elementary Montessori Environment, Heather R. Brown

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The purpose of this research was to explore the effects of work journals, portfolios, and cosmic education on intrinsic motivation. The study was performed at a Montessori school in Indiana that serves children from birth through high school graduation. Thirtyfour learners in an upper elementary classroom participated in the study over the course of eight weeks. Data collection included two pre- and post-assessments, daily observations, and interviews with participants. Results of the pre- and post-assessments showed an overall decrease in both extrinsic and intrinsic motivation, although learners perceived their work as having greater value and importance. Observation data revealed an …


The Effects Of Character Education On Social-Emotional Behavior, Diane M. Dodds Jan 2016

The Effects Of Character Education On Social-Emotional Behavior, Diane M. Dodds

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The addition of character education to school curricula has become an increasingly popular response to today’s heightened emphasis for students to succeed on academic high stake tests, leaving little regard for the development of social-emotional competencies. The purpose of this research was to study the effects of character education on the social-emotional behavior of elementary students in a private Montessori school. The study consisted of 18 students in a grade 1-4 classroom over a period of five weeks. Data was collected through daily tallying of negative behavior and through incident forms as well as student pre- and post-test evaluations regarding …


The Effects That Consistent Routines Have On Transitions, Sarah L. Seiberlich Jan 2016

The Effects That Consistent Routines Have On Transitions, Sarah L. Seiberlich

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The purpose of this action research project was to observe the effects of a consistent routine on toddler behaviors and transitions. There were six participants, some of which were new students and others had experience in the environment. The age range was 18 months to 3 years old. About halfway through the summer, the toddlers were presented with a daily routine that they followed everyday. Data was collected by observation during transitions, tally attendance, behavioral scales and teacher journals. The results showed improved behavior during transitions in a shorter amount of time than originally predicted. In conclusion, consistent routines allow …


T He Effects Of Loose Parts And Nature-Based Play On Creativity In The Montessori Early Childhood (3-6 Year Old) Classroom, Leah C. Yavuz Jan 2016

T He Effects Of Loose Parts And Nature-Based Play On Creativity In The Montessori Early Childhood (3-6 Year Old) Classroom, Leah C. Yavuz

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The purpose of this research was to determine if the addition of natural loose parts, or manipulatives, to the outdoor play yard would increase creativity in the classroom. This study took place in a private Montessori school with 14 children ages 3 to 6 years old over a five-week period. Various methods were used to gather information to determine any change in creativity. Observations of creative behaviors, concentration (state of flow), and spontaneous collaboration were collected as well as drawing tests for creative thinking, and samples of creative writing and artwork. The results of the study found that the loose …


Effects Of Directed Movement On Focus, Catherine A. Zoeckler Jan 2016

Effects Of Directed Movement On Focus, Catherine A. Zoeckler

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to determine if directed movement would positively affect the focus for all children. Children with underdeveloped executive functions frequently disrupt the learning of others. This study was implemented in a mixed-age lower elementary classroom populated by 27 children ages 6 to 9 years. The project covered a total of six weeks, four of which included directed movement for at least three days of the week. Prior to implementing movement into the classroom, three lessons were presented that related to brain function, focus and mindfulness. Pre-study student work samples, teacher observations of the work period …


The Effect Of Creativity In Nature, Jackie M. Ji Jan 2016

The Effect Of Creativity In Nature, Jackie M. Ji

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The purpose of this research was to determine the effects on children’s creativity by using natural materials. Children are sometimes lacking in creativity when performing a teacher directed art lesson or step by step crafts. This research, was instigated to observe how using natural materials will affect children’s creativity. In order to determine the effects that nature materials in a preschool classroom have on a student’s creativity, the children were provided with nature materials to use and few instructions to create their own artwork. Data was collected from five sources to measure preschooler’s creativity using nature materials. The data included …


The Effects Of Motivational Strategies To Increase Teachers’ Commitment And Enthusiasm, Donna A. Fiumara Jan 2016

The Effects Of Motivational Strategies To Increase Teachers’ Commitment And Enthusiasm, Donna A. Fiumara

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

Abstract The purpose of this study was to explore motivational strategies that can be used to increase faculty and staff’s motivation in a small private Montessori school, located in New Jersey. Ten members of the faculty and staff participated in this action research project over the course of six weeks. Pre-data collection included an online motivational quiz that identified each faculty and staff member’s top three motivators. Short term goals were created by the participant with the administrator in a pre-conference based on the motivator results of each individual’s pre-test. The administrator used the motivational strategies of each faculty and …