Abstract/Notes: This dissertation examines neoliberalist policy in public school education in order to understand the influence of this neoliberalist policy on educator wellness in New Mexico early educators. Establishing the neoliberal influence in public education, the presidencies of Eisenhower, Johnson, Carter, G.H.W. Bush, G.W. Bush, and Obama, as related to education policy and influences, presents the idea of education for profit through high stakes testing and scripted curriculums (Ali, 2019; Burke, et al., 2020; Howell et al., 2017; Leistyna, 2010; Mazzoni, 1977; Vaughn et al.; Wooley et al., 1999; Yardley, 2000). This dissertation establishes connections between neoliberal federal policy and widespread unrest among American educators (Adams et al., 2018; Macrine et al., 2010; Nieto, 2013). National exit attrition rates as well as rates of enrollment in teacher preparatory programs examined herein connect to widespread professional dissatisfaction among public educators (Boe et al., 2008; Engledowl, et al., 2020; Nieto, 2013). Subjective Well Being (SWB) of New Mexico early educators as influenced by neoliberalist public education policy is qualitatively examined via this interpretive phenomenological analysis. Methods included interviews, surveys, and questionnaires conducted with eight New Mexico educators. Utilization of hermeneutic member checking promotes trustworthiness and credibility (Noon, 2018). Through coding, findings reveal that NM early educators’ SWB may be negatively influenced by neoliberalist policy in public education. Themes related to connections between neoliberal public education policies and SWB include: demoralization caused by leaders; control of creativity; confines of curriculum; an illusion of freedom; limitations of high stakes testing and curriculum; experiences centered on abuse, trauma, and PTSD; and exhaustion, lack of humanity in public education policy, as well as educators’ invisibility. Implications exist for the arenas of education policy, high stakes testing, curriculum, ethics in education, and educator activism.

Language: English

Published: Las Cruces, New Mexico, 2022

Abstract/Notes: This study examined the nature of circle time within early childhood Montessori classrooms in the United States of America. We explored literature pertaining to the history and development of circle time as well as circle time research in preschool and kindergarten settings. Unable to find writings or research specific to Montessori circle time practices, we crafted a 30-question survey for early childhood Montessori teachers to determine basic information about their circle time approaches. The survey asked participants about demographic information, circle time logistics, circle time activities, reactions to circle time, planning and preparation, and the morning work cycle. Using social media and direct emails, we gathered over 300 responses from 50 states and the District of Columbia; a total of 276 participants completed the full survey. Results focused on five different areas: time - the frequency, duration, and scheduling of circle time; attendance - who joined circle time and for how long; teacher preparation - participants’ training and planning approaches; circle time programming - the most common and popular activities; the morning work cycle – its relation to circle time. Results revealed that 92% of survey participants have circle time every day or most days; most participants hold circle time as the last event of the morning for generally 20 minutes or less; the most common circle time events were show and tell, calendar work, vocabulary lessons, Grace and Courtesy lessons, read aloud discussions, dancing and movement, snack time, general conversation, read aloud (stories), and birthday celebrations. Most participants had a work cycle that lasts less than three hours. This study promotes reflection on the importance and meaning of circle time in Montessori classrooms in relation to its apparent absence in Dr. Montessori’s writings.

Language: English

Published: River Falls, Wisconsin, 2021

Abstract/Notes: Maria Montessori was one of the first special educators. In 1898, as an assistant instructor at the University of Rome's Psychiatric Clinic, Montessori visited an asylum for the "insane" and became interested in the children with special needs who were housed there. She noticed that the children were not being stimulated; learning was at a standstill. It is from this juncture that she developed materials and space to educate those once considered "uneducable." From 1898 to 1900, Montessori worked 11 hours a day with the children at Rome's First State Orthophrenic School. During this period, she developed a program specifically designed to teach academic skills, life skills, and social skills to children with special needs. In 1907, inspired by the success at the State Orthophrenic School, Montessori opened her first "Casa dei Bambini" (Children's House) for the children of Rome. Montessori's methodology has developed over the years, but its original three principles remain the same: (1) Teaching academic skills; (2) Teaching life skills; and (3) Modeling social skills. This article investigates whether Montessori teaching, materials, and methods can support an inclusive 21st-century classroom.

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Abstract/Notes: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengembangan kecerdasan fisik motorik anak usia dini menurut konsep Montessori. Latar belakang penelitian ini adalah pentingnya menegetahui pengembangan kecerdasan fisik motorik anak usia dini menurut konsep Montessori. Pengembangan fisik motorik bermanfaat untuk tumbuh kembang anak secara keseluruhan. Saat anak mampu mengkoordinasikan gerakan-gerakan otot di tubuhnya dengan optimal maka anak memiliki perkembangan kecerdasan fisik motorik yang baik. Konsep Montessori yang merupakan sebuah metode pendidikan oleh Maria Montessori. Montessori sebagai seorang ilmuwan, dokter dan juga seorang pendidik, menciptakan sebuah metode pendidikan yang memberikan kebebasan kepada anak didiknya. Penelitian ini menggunakan penelitian kepustakaan (library research). Sumber data pada penelitian kepustakaan ini terdiri dari sumber primer, sekunder dan tersier. Teknik pengumpulan data adalah dokumentasi. Teknik analisis data yang digunakan adalah teknik analisis isi (content analysis). Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa pengembangan fisik motorik anak usia dini merupakan salah satu kecerdasan yang harus dikembangkan dalam diri anak dan konsep Montessori merupakan sebuah metode yang efektif untuk dilaksanakan. Dapat disimpulkan bahwa urgensi pengembangan kecerdasan fisik motorik anak usia dini menurut konsep Montessori merupakan hal yang penting bagi pendidikan anak usia dini. Pengembangan fisik motorik anak bermanfaat untuk tumbuh kembang anak secara keseluruhan, dengan konsep Montessori pengembangan kecerdasan Fisik Motorik anak usia dini hasilnya akan optimal sesuai dengan standar tingkat pencapaian perkembangan anak.

Language: Indonesian

Published: Pekanbaru City, Indonesia, 2022

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Abstract/Notes: Includes recommendations from NAEYC, AMS, and others

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040