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Full-Text Articles in Education

The Effects Of Work Plans On Independence In A Primary Montessori Classroom, Cynthia Narine May 2023

The Effects Of Work Plans On Independence In A Primary Montessori Classroom, Cynthia Narine

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research project aimed to examine the effects introducing picture-based work plans would have on independence in a Primary Montessori classroom. The intervention took place over seven weeks and involved a middle-class suburban classroom with 25 children ages three to six-years old. Data was collected through the use of tally sheets which recorded the number of times children asked for suggestions; tables which recorded the number of children engaged in meaningful work; an observation log for observations taken globally; and a field journal which recorded the researcher’s thoughts, questions, and other observations at the time. The data showed a …


Increasing Concentration Through Multistep Practical Life Works In A Montessori 2-6 Classroom, Gay Luise May 2023

Increasing Concentration Through Multistep Practical Life Works In A Montessori 2-6 Classroom, Gay Luise

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

"This intervention was intended to combat apathy and disengagement in a preschool Montessori classroom. Four traditional Practical Life tasks were introduced to 15 students, dusting the shelves, sweeping the floor, carpet sweeping, and mopping the floor. These tasks required many different types of movement to complete. The intention was to test Dr. Montessori’s assertions that movement is essential for early brain development. The research took place in an urban Montessori and included 15 participants. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected over a four-week period. At the end of the intervention, findings indicated that their ability to concentrate increased after …


The Effects Of Music And Movement On Learning Sight Words, Khou Moua May 2023

The Effects Of Music And Movement On Learning Sight Words, Khou Moua

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research aimed to evaluate the effects of music and movement on learning sight words. This study occurred in a public Montessori classroom in a metropolitan area in Minnesota. There were 19 students, ages 4-6, and 10 targeted sight words. Students viewed Jan Richardson and Jack Hartmann’s Sight Word Music videos during the 6-week intervention. In each video, students were encouraged to dance, move, sing, and follow the instructions of the musician. Baseline and post-assessment data, student attitude surveys, video observations, and student activity worksheets were collected and evaluated from 10 kindergarten students. Quantitative data revealed increased student proficiency …


Breaking Bread: Co-Creating Mindful Eating Practices In Lower Elementary, Katie Keller May 2023

Breaking Bread: Co-Creating Mindful Eating Practices In Lower Elementary, Katie Keller

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The purpose of this research study was to explore the impact of multicultural culinary arts food preparation activities on food neophobia in the Montessori lower elementary classroom. The research study took place over three weeks in a public charter Montessori school, located in St. Louis, MO. Children ages 6-9 years old from one classroom participated in the study. The intervention strategy, based on Social Cognitive Theory, implemented key experience lessons, cosmic stories, and mindful eating strategies. Each food preparation activity lasted approximately 45 minutes and occurred three times a week during the study. The intervention demonstrated repeated exposure and involvement …


The Effectiveness Of Grace And Courtesy Lessons In A Montessori Environment, Megan Green May 2023

The Effectiveness Of Grace And Courtesy Lessons In A Montessori Environment, Megan Green

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This study explored the effectiveness of grace and courtesy lessons in teaching a specific set of social skills to young children as well as how this approach impacts children’s ability to navigate related social situations successfully and independently. Research took place over seven weeks in a Montessori primary environment, comprised of 26 children aged 33 months to six years of age. The school is located in an urban, low socioeconomic area and is a hybrid private early childcare center and K-6 charter school. Research data was gathered in the form of field journal notes to record the presenter’s general thoughts …


How Does Blended Learning Affect Student Satisfaction And Learning Outcomes In A Secondary Science Classroom?, Lisa Fuccello May 2023

How Does Blended Learning Affect Student Satisfaction And Learning Outcomes In A Secondary Science Classroom?, Lisa Fuccello

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research study consisted of 81 secondary science students in a high school Anatomy and Physiology course in Southeast South Dakota in order to determine how blended learning affected both student satisfaction of the course, as well as the overall learning outcomes and assessment scores. The intervention took place over six weeks with students watching pre-recorded lectures at home while classroom time consisted of hands-on, collaborative activities, online simulations, and review games. Data was gathered using pre- and post-unit student surveys, as well as three summative assessment scores being compared over the last three years. Analysis of the data …


The Effectiveness Of Roleplaying In Teaching Preschoolers Social Skills, Qi Pan May 2023

The Effectiveness Of Roleplaying In Teaching Preschoolers Social Skills, Qi Pan

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of role-play as a means of enhancing the social skills of preschool students in a Montessori setting. A total of 37 children between the ages of two and a half to six years who participated in a five week study. The interventions were conducted once a week for four weeks, during which children took turns participating in simulated scenarios that mirrored their everyday experiences. After the role-play presentation, assessments and group discussions were conducted to evaluate the children's comprehension. The research data was gathered before, during and after the interventions. The researcher …


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 …


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 …


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 …


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 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 …


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 …


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 …


The Impact Of Discourse On Math Learning In Upper Elementary, Dawn Anderson May 2022

The Impact Of Discourse On Math Learning In Upper Elementary, Dawn Anderson

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

Upper-elementary mathematics becomes increasingly complex, and the gap between fluency and ineptitude grows. Considering the importance of math competency, the educator must act to narrow this achievement gap. This six-week action research study examined the effect of the implementation of teaching and encouraging student application of differentiated discourse strategies on mathematical achievement and empowerment on twenty-two nine-to-twelve-year old suburban students. Qualitative and quantitative data analysis yielded three key themes: nominal growth in student achievement, a marked increase in mathematical modeling, and a considerable shift in perception of discourse responsibility, impacting student mindset, behavior, and participation. Findings suggest that student engagement …


Gratitude And Work Conferences In The Upper Elementary Montessori Classroom, Karrie Kelly May 2022

Gratitude And Work Conferences In The Upper Elementary Montessori Classroom, Karrie Kelly

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

Over 100 years ago, Maria Montessori created her educational method. The Montessori philosophy of teaching is still thriving in the educational world today. This method incorporates peace, gratitude, and intrinsic motivation directly woven into the philosophy of teaching. This paper will cover three aims; (1) identify how gratitude affects students’ attitude towards learning 2) how daily work conferences affect students overall work completion, and (3) examine how strong parental involvement indicates student success. This paper will provide strong reviews of the Montessori education, and how the strategies of the philosophy impact work completion within the classroom. Gratitude is heavily present …


The Effect Of A Culturally Diverse Art Curriculum On The Early Childhood Student’S Cultural Competency, Erin Reynolds May 2022

The Effect Of A Culturally Diverse Art Curriculum On The Early Childhood Student’S Cultural Competency, Erin Reynolds

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research project was completed to test the effects of a culturally diverse art program on early childhood students’ cultural competency. The setting was a Montessori early childhood classroom of 22 children. There were two Asian students, one African American student, and 19 Caucasian students. Data were collected using a student conference form, self-portrait rubric, and tally sheets - continent symbol matching, group discussions and art activities. A group presentation took place each week about an artist from one the six inhabited continents which included a biography and examples of their artwork. Following the presentation an art activity was …


What Evidence Of Change Emerges When Students With Behavioral And Learning Challenges Are Placed In An Early Childhood Montessori Environment In Rural China?, Jiao J. Zhang May 2022

What Evidence Of Change Emerges When Students With Behavioral And Learning Challenges Are Placed In An Early Childhood Montessori Environment In Rural China?, Jiao J. Zhang

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

Under current circumstances, educational issues such as the achievement gap, non-cognitive development, Executive Function, and students with challenging behaviors impact day-to-day classroom practices and fundamentally reshape the results of education. The purpose of this research was to utilize the Montessori environment and principles, as well as the “normalization” approach developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, to help students with behavioral and learning challenges find the balance of their mental developmental processes and maximize their academic achievement at the same time. This action research conducted focused-group case studies of the Montessori Normalization process for children possessing behavioral and learning challenges at a …


The Effects Of Cognitively Engaging Exercise On Children’S Executive Functioning, Emily E. Osborn May 2022

The Effects Of Cognitively Engaging Exercise On Children’S Executive Functioning, Emily E. Osborn

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This study examines the effect of combining vigorous exercise with cognitively engaging games on children’s executive functioning skills such as self-direction, engagement, and focus. Over four weeks, the research took place in a Montessori early childhood classroom with 17 children ages 2.6 to 6. The four-week study included a one-week baseline week to collect initial data on the capabilities of self-direction and comprehensive data on energy levels and engagement. The children participated in a 14-minute movement activity with 7 minutes of vigorous exercise and 7 minutes of cognitive-engaging games. The researcher used both quantitative and qualitative data tools to examine …


The Effects Of Guided Reading In A Primary Montessori Classroom, Taylor Bates, Mary Brocklesby, Katie Mcgarrigle May 2022

The Effects Of Guided Reading In A Primary Montessori Classroom, Taylor Bates, Mary Brocklesby, Katie Mcgarrigle

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The purpose of this action research was to decide if conducting guided reading instruction three times a week in a primary Montessori classroom would make an impact on reading levels among kindergarten students. The research took place over six weeks in a public Montessori school. The school is a Title One school located in a rural area of South Carolina. The population who participated in the study were 26 kindergarten students aged five to six from three different classrooms. Our intervention included using a variety of reading strategies such as pointing to each word, using picture clues, sounding out words, …


Proximity And Preparation: The Keys To Engagement In Secondary Montessori Literature Seminars, Metta M. King Dec 2021

Proximity And Preparation: The Keys To Engagement In Secondary Montessori Literature Seminars, Metta M. King

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

Dr. Maria Montessori’s philosophy defines education as an aid to life. Given the appropriate prepared environment, young people will construct themselves and become strong, resilient, holistic humans, willing to share their gifts to benefit the common good. The developmental needs at each phase, articulated by Montessori’s Four Planes of Development serves as an essential guide to the teaching and learning. This research looks at the effects of two developmentally appropriate interventions on engagement within peer-led literature seminars in a secondary Montessori classroom. The first intervention included a low stakes way to increase proximity or a way to create a sense …


Impacts Of Early Childhood Professional Development On Educator Practice And Subsequent Student Experience In The Outdoor Environment, Hannah Mohr Dec 2021

Impacts Of Early Childhood Professional Development On Educator Practice And Subsequent Student Experience In The Outdoor Environment, Hannah Mohr

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The purpose of this project was to study the impact of professional development on early childhood educator practice and its subsequent effects on toddlers’ experiences with Risky Play in the outdoor environment. The setting of this project was a toddler classroom within a Montessori school in Missouri. The population for this action research study was three adult assistant guides with varying levels of experience with Montessori and early childhood education and 10 students in a Montessori toddler classroom between the ages of 17 and 32 months. The intervention consisted of a professional development workshop related to Montessori philosophy and benefits …


Fostering Emotion Regulation In Lower Elementary Children Through Practical Life Exercises, Doris En-Chia Lin Dec 2021

Fostering Emotion Regulation In Lower Elementary Children Through Practical Life Exercises, Doris En-Chia Lin

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research investigated how integrating practical life exercises and self-regulation lessons could foster emotion regulation in lower elementary children. Twenty First and Second grade students in a public Montessori school participated in this four-week study. Quantitative data tools included students’ feelings self assessments, parent questionnaire, feelings check-in, and tallies of student behavior. Qualitative tools included students’ feeling journals, my observation journal, and children’s practical life reflection. Data analysis indicated that teaching children to identify their feelings and offering choices of calm down activities in the practical life area gave children the tools to recalibrate themselves. By the end of …


The Effects Of Student Constructed Formative Assessment In The Elementary Classroom, Jessica Burgwald Dec 2021

The Effects Of Student Constructed Formative Assessment In The Elementary Classroom, Jessica Burgwald

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research project studied how student-created formative assessments in mathematics would affect student confidence and perceived math ability. Students participated in a four-week study. The researcher conducted this study in September and October of 2021. The seven participating students were from an Upper Elementary classroom in a private Southern California Montessori school. The intervention consisted of a student-constructed survey taken weekly and a group analysis of the anonymized data collected from the said survey. Additional data sources included parent surveys, end-of-intervention student surveys, and classwork observational tally sheets. This study found that students gained further awareness of their work …


"Developing Creative Thinking With Intentional Teaching Practices In Academic Subjects For Early Childhood Classrooms", Rebecca Appleby Dec 2021

"Developing Creative Thinking With Intentional Teaching Practices In Academic Subjects For Early Childhood Classrooms", Rebecca Appleby

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research was conducted in an early childhood Montessori Primary classroom using intentional teaching practices with core curriculum materials to engage students in creative thinking. In the form of questions or suggestions, an open-ended inquiry was given to the ten participants, aged three to six years old, as they worked with Montessori materials in academic areas, including science, math, and language. The research utilized mixed methods of collection in the forms of quantitative and qualitative data and demonstrated successful intervention with a steady increase in work times of the students. A longitudinal study would contribute to this theory and …


To Work In A Field Centered In Health Equity And Social Justice, Public Health Curriculum Reform Is Essential, Leso Munala, Elizabeth Allen Oct 2021

To Work In A Field Centered In Health Equity And Social Justice, Public Health Curriculum Reform Is Essential, Leso Munala, Elizabeth Allen

Public Health Faculty Scholarship

In examining the subject of social justice in public health literature, the word “inextricably” is often used to define the inherent tie between the two. As public health aims to improve the health outcomes of all populations, social justice is argued to be the philosophy on which public health is based - its core value. Effectively addressing complex global health problems requires interpretative methods, critical knowledge, historical perspectives, and values infrastructure. We proposed an MPH curriculum reform with a more explicit focus on social justice. With substantial contributions from an interprofessional and diverse advisory board composed of faculty, staff, students, …