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Doctoral Dissertation

Intuitive Understanding of Time and Space at the Age of Four (Four-Year-Olds, Learning)

Available from: ProQuest - Dissertations and Theses

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Abstract/Notes: The purpose of this study was to test the central hypothesis that “children by the age of four years construct accurate and lasting conceptions of time (Past, present, future) and space (near and far away).” In order to test this hypothesis the researcher relied on qualitative research guidelines developed and published in recent years to address social science and educational research issues. The research design is especially applicable to young children where the researcher assumes the role of participant observer. In order to control for the context of the research, the children were observed for time and space cognitive constructions while being taught a curriculum designed to address those concepts in an age appropriate format. The curriculum was on social studies with an emphasis on history and geography. The study was conducted in a private Montessori pre-school. The sample (n = 8) was purposive and selected to identify sensitivity conceptual development of time and space. The methodology used for collecting the data was action research and a survey questionnaire administered to the same children and parents after a lapse of time of three years. The data collected consisted of four anecdotal records and five visual data response sets of maps made by the children with commentaries. These data were analyzed through de-contextualized/re-contextualized analysis, descriptive analysis and interpretation. The data collected by the survey were further analyzed through an evaluative and comparative analysis. The findings support the thesis statement that children during their fourth year of life construct representations of space and time using “intuitive sensitivity”, or intuition. The effects of a specially designed curriculum may have enhanced these constructions, but the data from the study do not permit a direct affirmation of those effects. The study offers a basis from which to continue research into the nature, the limits, the extent and the boundaries of young children's understanding of time and space, and into the conditions under which this knowledge may occur and develop. These are questions concerning the epistemology of young children's time and space constructs which are in need of further inquiry.

Language: English

Published: Kalamazoo, Michigan, 1999

Doctoral Dissertation

Independent Learning in Four Montessori Elementary Classrooms

Available from: ProQuest - Dissertations and Theses

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Abstract/Notes: This is a descriptive study of independent learning in four Montessori elementary classrooms. It shows relationships between groups of variables for the student, teacher, and environment--with independent learning. Data were collected for the project in three schools in the Seattle area. A profile on each student consisted of demographic information, scores on four measures of independence, and data regarding observed classroom behavior. The teachers provided background information and philosophical orientation through questionnaire and their classroom behaviors were observed. The environment, including the physical and underlying structural climate, was revealed through teacher interview and observation of whole-class behavior. The resultant data were examined for relationships through correlational techniques. Student background, specifically sex, age, and previous Montessori experience, were not found to be predictive of observed independent learning. Teacher background and years of teaching experience in Montessori were also not predictive of the independent learning that occurred in the classroom. The environment, prepared by a Montessori teacher to facilitate independent learning, provided for self-directed study. Independent learning was observed by the behaviors of the individual student, the teacher, and the whole-class similarly in the four classrooms. It was observed in a variety of students. All four teachers had Montessori teacher education and experience. All classrooms were set up physically with shelves of manipulative materials and structurally with student-directed expectations. It was concluded that independent learning can occur when allowed and provided for.

Language: English

Published: Seattle, Washington, 1987

Doctoral Dissertation

An Analysis of Froebel's Play and Montessori's Work in Terms of Their Implementation as Learning Tasks in the Systems' View of Education

Available from: ProQuest - Dissertations and Theses

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Language: English

Published: New York City, New York, 1971

Article

Montessori and 'Playful Learning'

Available from: MontessoriPublic

Publication: Montessori Public, vol. 3, no. 1

Pages: 4-5

Public Montessori

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Language: English

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