Abstract/Notes: The article presents the state of geographic education in Manila, Philippines by examining the types of approaches in teaching geography in public, private and Montessori schools. As part of the social studies programme in Grade IV elementary education, the types of approaches to teaching geography are examined for their effectiveness and relevance to teaching geographic concepts. Two curricular programmes were considered in the assessment of the importance of using the right kind of instructional materials in learning geographic concepts in elementary education. These programmes are (a) the basic education curriculum (BEC) that is prescribed by the Department of Education and (b) the curriculum followed by the Montessori education philosophy. Initial findings indicate that there was a significant difference in the achievement scores of Old Balara Elementary School (public) and Seed Montessori with that of Roosevelt Elementary School (private). While achievement scores were higher when instructional materials were readily available to students, this does not necessarily mean that the availability of instructional materials by itself is the key in the attainment of high scores. The content must be anchored on the local setting where students have their immediate experience in order for achievement scores to improve. This study provides a tentative first look at the implications of curriculum and instructional material for educators, school authorities and government policymakers in strengthening and reorienting geographic education under the social studies programme in the Philippine context.
Abstract/Notes: In our brief historical outline of educational conditions in Italy, we have seen that by far the greatest efforts over the past fifty years have been devoted to clarifying the theoretical issues of educational problems. We have been examining philosophical Systems that pretended to afford an unshakeable foundation to educational theory and to answer every problem raised by educational practice. They have been scrutinized and found wanting. The new Government Syllabus (1955) for the Italian elementary schools is thoroughly Catholic in spirit, humanistic in content and progressive in method. The author of the present paper feels, however, that too much theorizing is still blinding Italian educators. The canker of Transcendental Idealism is still gnawing at the efforts of all too many, also Catholic, thinkers. The “active schools” need renewed fervour, cogent Stimulation, and enlightened Inspiration from an integral Catholic philosophy of life. We must stop philosophizing and get down to realizing: experimentation and co-operative effort are badly needed, not less than clear ideas. Not words but deeds! Idealism had thought of itself being the all-inclusive answer to every problem. We must repeat Hamlet's word to the die-hard Idealist: “There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy”.
Abstract/Notes: This paper focuses on the application of knowledge based systems for child performance analysis in an online Montessori module. Using knowledge based techniques, the system generates an automatic analysis based on the teacher's answers to a variety of questions about a child's performance of a specific Montessori activity. The questions were created through a study of the criteria used to assess the level of a child's performance and achievement. This prototype is designed as a proof-of-concept, to show how the knowledge base technique could be applied. To design the prototype, we conducted literature reviews on the delivery of Montessori methods and the knowledge base technique, and compared rule -based and case -based reasoning. We selected rule-based reasoning for the concept prototype since it is suitable for Montessori activities which are well defined and easy to acquire.
Abstract/Notes: The history of pre-education is quite recent. In fact, in order for this education to start, it was necessary to wait for the formal education to spread to the whole society. Pre-school education, which emerged and designed to meet the needs of post-industrial societies, gave importance to the cognitive, affective and psychomotor development of students. Especially the educational needs of post-war societies also required pre-school education. In this context, three different approaches to pre-school education have emerged. The common point of these approaches is that they adopt a democratic education model and reject the authoritarian teacher role in the traditional education model. Thus, a reflection of humanity’s democratization adventure in the modern age has also shown itself in education models.
Abstract/Notes: Early Childhood and Care Education (ECCE) has attracted global focus as governments of members of United Nations (UN) strive to meet target 4.2 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to ensure that all girls and boys have equal access to quality care and preprimary education by 2030. ECCE specialists and stakeholders in Nigeria are involved in various ways, including the organization of workshops for caregivers and teachers to meet the target. In this paper, we present the perceptions of trainees on their learning experiences in a 3-day workshop organized for caregivers/teachers, focusing on child-centered approaches/methodologies in early years. Using a descriptive survey design, all the trainees rated the extent they learnt the methodologies in a Likert-questionnaire. The results suggested that the trainees’ perceptions on the learning of all the methodologies were positive and were neither influenced by their teaching experiences nor their age. Furthermore, their positive perceptions were highest for the following approaches/methodologies: Using circle time; Developing children’s physical domain; Making children learn through play; and Developing children’s cognitive domain. Moreover, their perceptions were lowest for the following: Developing practical ideas for including communities/parents in the classroom; Principles of Montessori approach; Preparing assessment report in early years. Based on the result of this study, we concluded that the workshop enhanced the competence and confidence of the trainees to render care and teach in their schools and made recommendations for sustaining the gains.
Abstract/Notes: Maria Montessori is best known for her legacy as an educator. She is the founder of a system of schools that has achieved worldwide success. Instrumental to her teaching method is the idea of fostering engagement by offering children individual choice and harnessing intrinsic motivation. For this reason, she is nominated as a noteworthy felicitator or happiness-enabler. In this article, I discuss Montessori’s life with a special emphasis on her teaching philosophy and methods. I briefly discuss psychological research as it relates to choice-related topics such as perceived personal control and autonomy. I also discuss some limitations of choice as an avenue toward happiness.
Abstract/Notes: This article describes a multiage classroom led by three co-teachers who facilitate the education of 42 students ages six through nine years. The classroom is located in a public school district that practices inclusion and subscribes to the principles of whole schooling. A literature review defines the concepts of co-teaching, multiage education, and inclusion and demonstrates how the co-teachers practice the principles of whole schooling. A rich description of the classroom follows so that the reader may fully understand how to implement similar teaching strategies. Implications for practice are discussed. (Contains 2 tables.)
Language: English
ISSN: 1710-2146
Article
✓ Peer Reviewed
The Effect of Iteration on the Design Performance of Primary School Children
Annemarie Looijenga
(Author) , Remke Klapwijk (Author)
, Marc J. de Vries (Author)
Publication: International Journal of Technology and Design Education,
vol. 25, no. 1
Date: 2015
Pages: 1-23
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Abstract/Notes: Iteration during the design process is an essential element. Engineers optimize their design by iteration. Research on iteration in Primary Design Education is however scarce; possibly teachers believe they do not have enough time for iteration in daily classroom practices. Spontaneous playing behavior of children indicates that iteration fits in a natural way of learning. To demonstrate the importance of iteration for the design performance and understand what occurs in an optimized situation a study was conducted in a Dutch Montessori school. Four conditions were chosen to shape the design assignment; iteration, freedom of choice, collaboration and presentation. The choice for these conditions was inspired by the work of Montessori, and because of the positive effects on design performance during previous design and technology projects. This led to a concrete assignment, suitable for 6–8 years old, “Fold a piece of aluminum foil so it can hold the weight of marbles when it lies on the water. The more marbles it can hold the better.” Self correction was possible as the challenge lays in the ease to improve countable results. Clear results of iteration could be determined; an increasing sense of control and detailed insight in what to do for maximum results were found amongst the pupils. Additional literature about capability development and metacognition confirmed the value of the four conditions in relation to the observed results.
Abstract/Notes: Early childhood (EC) is the right period to start emphasizing on teaching young children about diversity, equity and inclusion. The new vision of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 2030 target to boost educational system through continuous invest in and teachers' education and professional training focused on integrating multicultural education into the curricula. The current study dealt with two main dimensions: The first dimension revealed the different curricula, teaching strategies, and assessment of children's learning in kindergartens in the public and private sectors. The second dimension focused on investigating how these applied curricula take into account the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion for children from different cultural backgrounds. The current study used the descriptive analytical approach through the application of the questionnaire, which targeted a number of government and private kindergartens in various major cities in the Kingdom. The results revealed the interest of private kindergartens in applying modern and diverse curricula in terms of teaching and assessment strategies and in terms of respect for diversity, equity and inclusion for all children, which meets their different needs. Teachers in private kindergartens expressed their confidence and competence to teach children from different cultures, and that the applied curricula ensure respect for their cultural backgrounds in terms of teaching methods that are free of racism in any form. Continuous professional training and the employment of teachers from different cultures contributed to raising the cultural awareness of children in private kindergartens compared to government ones. The current study recommended decision-makers to update the curricula in government kindergartens in line with the global trend towards integrating children from different cultures and backgrounds in the classroom.
Language: English
ISSN: 0827-3383, 1917-7844
Article
✓ Peer Reviewed
Implementation of Montessori Curriculum Management in Improving the Quality of Learning in Askara Montessori Kindergarten
Abstract/Notes: This study aims to determine the implementation of Montessori curriculum management along with the supporting and inhibiting factors for the implementation of Montessori curriculum management in improving the quality of learning in Askara Montessori Kindergarten, Kramatjati, East Jakarta. This study uses a descriptive qualitative approach by using data collection methods of observation, interviews and documentation. The data analysis technique stage includes data reduction, data presentation and data verification, while checking the reliability of the data is carried out by extending participation, observing accuracy, triangulation and consulting with supervisors. The results of his research indicate that the implementation of Montessori curriculum management in improving the quality of learning, namely planning includes making a training schedule for teachers, both bringing in experts and attending training outside of making head work plans / annual programs, making supervision guidelines. Then the implementation includes: supervising learning planning including RPPH, RPPM and RPPS, monitoring and evaluating by fostering teachers with motivation. Evaluation includes reporting the results of supervision starting from planning, implementing and evaluating learning, then reporting the results of child development to parents. While the driving factors for change management strategies in improving teacher performance include infrastructure and facilities that include quite complete Montessori tools.
