Education Commons^™

The Effects Of Technology On Engagement And Retention Among Upper Elementary Montessori Students., Justin E. Tosco

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to describe the findings of a study on the effects of integrating technology into lessons in a Montessori upper elementary classroom in Raleigh, North Carolina. The research looked at both the student engagement and the retention of information when technology was included in Montessori lessons. This study spanned a six-week period and was conducted with 25 fourth through sixth grade students. Data collection included a pre-lesson questionnaire, a teacher engagement report form, a teacher observation form, a post-lesson feedback form, and a short answer lesson response form. The results of this data analysis showed …

Promoting Parent Involvement, Erin A. Hlavaty

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The purpose of this action research project was to find out parents’ attitudes and desires to increase involvement opportunities through the home and/or school setting in order to improve the home-school relationship. Parents of students in a 3-6 year old Montessori classroom at a private school were asked to complete a parent involvement survey, attitude scale, and a parent involvement log in order to analyze current parent involvement. Data showed that the parents desire specific information as events and parent involvement opportunities occur, given verbally, in writing, and electronically, rather than an overview of the whole school year given in …

The Effects Of Interactivity, Scaffolding And Modeling On Children’S Attention And Engagement During Read Aloud Time, Sara Agnello, Mary Yengle

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

Abstract In the early academic years, read aloud time is frequently incorporated in the daily classroom schedule. For our investigation, we wondered if certain strategies (interactivity, scaffolding, and modeling enthusiasm) would help to foster deeper connections, conversation, and literary skills when used during read aloud time. We observed teacher-directed read aloud time in two Montessori environments, one with toddlers ages 2-3, and one with elementary children ages 6-9. We used various sources of data collection methods to help us track student engagement and focus, with and without the strategies implemented. The results of the study showed that more children stayed …

Instilling Reverence For Montessori Materials Through Rituals Of Grace And Courtesy, Stephanie M. Van Fleet

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research studied the impact of grace and courtesy lessons on the classroom environment. The study occurred in a private Montessori elementary (6-9 year old) classroom. Eighteen students received daily presentations of grace and courtesy lessons over a four-week period for a total of 20 lessons. Sources of data included photographs, environmental assessments, observations and student evaluations. The presenting of grace and courtesy lessons resulted in improved assessments of the classroom environment, decreased teacher intervention when material misuse was observed and an increase of positive teacher interaction. Students began to complete the entire process or ritual of a work …

Increasing Intrinsic Motivation And Reading Comprehension In Children, Lucy Amundson

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

Abstract This action research studied the impact of strategic methods employed to help increase in intrinsic motivation of children to read while increasing comprehension ability. The study occurred in a private Montessori elementary classroom (grades 1-4). Eight students were exposed to a variety of literature genres strategically introduced and displayed and had the ability to choose literature at their leisure, participated in a book club, and completed weekly comprehension examines. Sources of data include dialogue recorded through teacher journaling, comprehension exam data, tally sheet containing data regarding book selections and also student self-evaluations. Following the implementation of the motivational techniques, …

Beyond Good Manners: Gratitude And Student Engagement In Lower Elementary, Vanessa Callaghan

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

No abstract provided.

Effective And Efficient Parent-Teacher Communication, Germaine M. Dijohn

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research study examines parent-teacher communication using a combination of an online email program called MailChimp, a text app called Remind, and a class web page. A group of 17 parents from a private elementary classroom in a Montessori school agreed to participate in this study. Time sheets, check-off lists, feedback from parents, and statistics from MailChimp were used to collect data. The majority of the parents were pleased with the school-to-home communication during this period. The email and text message programs were the most efficient communication methods. Updating the class web page proved to be the most time-consuming …

Working It Out Together: Teaching The Steps Of Conflict Resolution To Preschoolers, Krista M. Macsata

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research explores conflicts among preschoolers and strategies for teachers to develop children’s social problem-solving abilities, such as teaching the steps of conflict resolution. Research was conducted in a Montessori preschool setting with children ages 2.5 to 5 years of age. Data was collected on the number of conflicts, types of conflicts, how conflicts were resolved (independently or with teacher assistance), and types of solutions implemented by students. Methods used to collect data included observation, group discussions, and student journals. Results indicated when the steps of conflict resolution were taught to preschool children, the number of conflicts resolved without …

The Effects Of Choice On Reading Comprehension In 2nd-3rd Grade, Julie P. Fraumeni-Mcbride

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

Poor literacy rates are the cause of low school performance for children across America. In particularly, low income schools continue to struggle with declining literacy rates. Issues with literacy are ultimately attributed to lack of comprehension during reading. This research tested the effects of choice on reading comprehension in 2nd and 3rd grade students at high and low income schools. In addition, students were monitored while reading silently and aloud to see if either had an effect on reading comprehension. Data was collected from 32 students from high and low income schools before, during and after reading in order to …

Help Me Help Myself: The Role Of Helper Flags As Tools For Self-Regulation, Lara G. Bergman

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

Abstract The purpose of this action research was to determine if using flags, created as tools for signaling for help, was an effective way to develop persistence and encourage children to complete their chosen work. The study was conducted in a preschool classroom at a private Montessori school. Participants included 15 children aged three to five and three teachers. Data was collected in the form of student interviews, tallies, and observations made during the period of research. The results indicated that the helper flags increased the children’s persistence with their work and increased the likelihood they would complete their chosen …

The Effects Of Creating Self-Assessed Work Portfolios On Student Learning Engagement In An Upper Elementary Montessori Classroom, Suzanne Clement Thorne

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

Self-Assessed Portfolios for Student Engagement in Learning Abstract The purpose of the research was to find whether the creation of self-assessed student work portfolios would be effective in engaging students in learning opportunities and lead to self-regulated behaviors. The research project was conducted in an upper elementary classroom. The class consists of twenty-three grade four to grade six Montessori students in a private school. Ten students have had a Montessori education starting in preschool, eight students started in grade three, two were held back a year, two students started in grade four, and two students started in grade six. Fifty-two …

Writer’S Workshop And Technology, Stephanie Pullman

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

Abstract The intent of this research was to determine what effect an increased use of technology, (meaning word processing, digital tools and use of websites) in Writer’s Workshop assignments would have on the quality of writing, engagement and enthusiasm for writing. A writer’s workshop is meant to expose students to the different genres and styles of writing. It is taught in a workshop format where there is a mini-lesson about a particular topic, time for the students to write independently and to receive feedback from both the teacher and peers. The research study took place at a private Montessori School …

The Impact Of Weekly Math Tests And Strategy Instruction On Math Fluency, Anna Garnaas-Halvorson

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

Abstract A significant number of students enter the Elementary II years (Grades 4-6) without basic math fact fluency skills. This means teachers feel they need to revisit these skills and re-teach. This study tackles this concern by exploring the question of whether weekly math fact tests paired with teaching math strategies and individual goal-setting will have an effect on children’s ability to recall basic math facts accurately and efficiently. The study was performed in an Elementary I public Montessori classroom for grades one through three. The classroom community consisted of 25 students with varying strengths and abilities. Nine of the …

The Effects Of A Book Club On Montessori And Parent Education, Stevie A. Harrison

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

Abstract This study was implemented to research the effects of parent education and parents understanding of Montessori, in the form of a parent book club. The aim of this action research project was to improve parents understanding of the basic concepts of the Montessori Method with the goal to persuade parents to keep their students in a Montessori environment as long as possible. This study was conducted in a small private Montessori school. All participants had children that were enrolled in the Montessori school. Data collection was gathered using a pre/post survey, self-assessment surveys, videotaping of the book club sessions, …

Decreasing Off-Task Behaviors In An Elementary Classroom, Celia Bradley

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

Abstract The purpose of the research was to find which interventions (cognitive, humanistic, behavioral, social) are most effective in decreasing off-task behaviors in an elementary classroom. The research project took place in an upper elementary classroom. The class consists of sixteen fourth through sixth grade Montessori students in a public school setting. Fifty percent of these students are new to Montessori education. Twenty-five percent of the class is special needs students. The four sources of data used in this research included observation forms, self-assessment forms, a story-evaluation form, and class revision of community rules. The results showed a decrease in …

Use Of Yoga To Alleviate Stress In Toddler Group Care Programs, Caitlin J. Jalalat

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

Abstract

Each year children enter into group childcare settings. This is both a necessity for working parents and can be a great introduction to their first group education program. Along with the positive aspects of group care come some negatives. Toddlers show signs of stress such as crying at drop off that can last from a moment to many hours during the day. Toddlers can be very social but must learn how to navigate these social interactions by sharing, taking turns, waiting for materials to become available, and receiving less individual attention from a single caregiver. In this Action Research …

The Effects Of Relationship-Driven Classroom Management, Lisa M. Laasch

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

Abstract This study was initiated to determine the effects of relationship-driven classroom management on positive behaviors in the lower elementary classroom. The research was conducted in a rural public Montessori school. Students were carefully observed to determine behavioral norms. Next, they were invited to participate in a survey to establish their current perception of positive relationships within their school and particularly with myself as a guide. Subsequently, I conducted a family survey, recorded daily observation of positive behaviors, and collected samples of student work during the research period. Finally, I re-administered the students survey to determine if they believed their …

Authentic Montessori Math Assessment And Common Core, Melanie Driskill

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

Abstract The intent of my project was to examine the way I assess my students’ math in my 9-12 Montessori classroom given the new Common Core standards. The study involved six students, varying ages 9-11, in a public school setting. Data collection methods included pre- and post- assessments, observations, written responses to Webb’s Depth of Knowledge (DOK), and a brief questionnaire about the attitudes toward the various types of assessment (See Appendix A). The results of the data analysis showed an average increase of 84% in grade level achievement after practicing with the DOK, as well as an improved student …

Literacy In Kindergarten: Using The Montessori Method In Combination With The Daily 5 Method, Andrea Nydegger

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

Abstract

This action research project was conducted to investigate the impact of merging the literacy program The Daily 5 with the Montessori Method of reading instruction. This project was intended to study the independent reading stamina of the students. It was conducted in a public Montessori School with kindergarten aged students from an early childhood classroom. There were 13 students participating, six girls and seven boys. Pre-assessment data was gathered in the forms of a parent survey and a baseline student reading assessment. Student stamina was recorded on a daily log and student reflections were recorded once a week. After …