Abstract/Notes: This paper reports short- and long-term outcomes of the Direct Instruction Head Start and Follow Through program model. Based on the premise that positive reinforcement is essential to maximum academic success, the Direct Instruction program was developed from an academic preschool model which specified exactly what children needed in order to succeed academically and dictated how teachers should modify children's behavior. The Follow Through program was developed to provide programs for kindergarten through 3rd grade that would help maintain gains made in Head Start or other preschool programs. In 1983 the Follow Through program could be found in 60 American cities and a number of foreign countries. Research suggested that the Direct Instruction/Follow Through program had a positive effect on reading and mathematics achievement. However, third-graders who received direct instruction, more often than comparison children, attributed academic success to external factors and failure to themselves. They also scored lower than children receiving cognitive developmental instruction on a test of nonverbal problem-solving. Longitudinal findings suggested that students receiving direct instruction had lower grade retention and higher attendance and graduation rates. Longitudinal comparison of direct instruction, Montessori, DARCEE, and traditional preschool programs revealed positive outcomes for children who received direct instruction: Follow Through children achieved at grade level when they were in the ninth grade.

Language: English

Published: [S.I.], Jun 1987

Abstract/Notes: Introduction: Early Childhood Education and development is a start to life and a reliable foundation to continuing education. One of the reasons that early childhood is regarded up to the age of eight is to enable children acquire a smooth understanding of the entire education from the level of play group to pre-primary and from pre-primary to the level of primary. Purpose of the Study: The main purpose of this study is to examine the impact of Montessori teaching methods on the developmental domain of young children in early childhood schools in Lagos state. Methodology: Descriptive survey research design was adopted. Sample size of two (12) schools of 10 pupils each in the selected schools was employed using convenience sampling technique. Validated questionnaire was used for data collection. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistics which involves measures of central tendency descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage). Results: Findings indicate that there is higher impact of Montessori teaching methods on the literacy skills in early childhood education. Pupils from both Montessori and Non-Montessori schools perform equally better in Numeracy Skills. The impact of conventional method of teaching on reasoning skill is better than that of Montessori Method of teaching. Conclusion: In conclusion, many aspects of Montessori teaching methods positively consider children's developmental needs and should be an integral part of teachers’ working modalities in so-called “non-Montessori teaching methods (conventional public schools)” (such as the possibility for each child to be in multi-age classes; to have an absence of explicit, formal grades, rewards, or punishments; and a low teacher-student ratio). Recommendations: Based on the results of this study, it is therefore recommended that Montessori system of education may be used to improve language skills of children and to understand art of language at early childhood level.

Language: English

DOI: 10.47434/JEREDA.4.1.2023.113

ISSN: 2735-9107

Abstract/Notes: Spirituality is an important dimension of the holistic development of young children, much like autonomy, resilience and responsibility. Unfortunately, it often remains as a forgotten area in early childhood education in many cultures (Zhang, 2012). Many people simply could not articulate the concept of spirituality concretely and some may confuse it with religion. Sokanovic and Muller (1999) pointed out that the definition of the term spirituality has little consensus of opinion throughout society, and has even, in specialised fields such as education, academia and religion sectors, various definitions. To explore the specific meaning of spirituality would be not only meaningful but of great significance for our understanding of the tenet of early childhood education and the national curriculum of New Zealand, Te Whāriki. Furthermore, spirituality is also a frequently discussed topic in many philosophies of early childhood education. For example, spiritual self or inner spirituality is recognised by Froebel and Pestalozzi (Froebel Web, 2014; Bruehlmeier, 2014), while spiritual development is further explored and integrated in teaching practices by Montessori and Steiner (Weinberg, 2009; Ullrich, 1994). Therefore, the task of this article is to try to define the term “spirituality” in the context of early childhood education, and explore spirituality as presented in the work of two early childhood theorists. Later, this article will also critically examine the aspect of spirituality in my own childhood education in China, and in relation to other contexts.

Language: English

ISSN: 1179 - 6812

Abstract/Notes: Autonomy is a critical aspect of early childhood development. This article will introduce the concept of autonomy in the early years, as presented by philosophers such as Rousseau, Montessori and Steiner. The article will also examine how young children cultivate a sense of autonomy and possible influences that impact upon their development. Finally, I will critically reflect on autonomy in relation to my own childhood and in relation to diverse contexts.

Language: English

ISSN: 1179 - 6812

Abstract/Notes: Zusammenfassung: Jungen mit Fragilem-X-Syndrom weisen im Schul- und Jugendalter charakteristische Merkmale des körperlichen Erscheinungsbildes, der Entwicklung und des Verhaltens auf. Es werden vorläufige Beobachtungen an zehn Jungen im frühen Kindesalter mitgeteilt. Im Vergleich zu den Befunden bei älteren Kindern sind schwere kognitive Behinderungen und kommunikative Auffälligkeiten seltener. Im Spielverhalten in einer Montessori-Übungssituation zeigen Jungen mit dieser genetischen Besonderheit sehr wohl die Fähigkeit zu gezieltem und kooperativem Spiel, aber weniger Ausdauer und Selbstorganisation bei zielgerichteten Tätigkeiten. Die Unterschiede sind signifikant im Vergleich zu nicht-behinderten Kindern bzw. Kindern gleichen Behinderungsgrades, aber anderer Behinderungsursache und als Merkmale des Verhaltensphänotyps bei Jungen mit fragilem-X-Syndrom zu verstehen. [Summary:Boys with Fragile X syndrome show characteristic features of physical appearance, development and behavior in school and adolescence. Preliminary observations on ten boys in early childhood are reported. Compared to the findings in older children, severe cognitive disabilities and communicative abnormalities are less common. In play behavior in a Montessori exercise situation, boys with this genetic peculiarity do show the ability for targeted and cooperative play, but less perseverance and self-organization in targeted activities. The differences are significant compared to non-disabled children or children of the same degree of disability, Play and communicative behavior in young boys with fragile-X syndrome Summary: Reports on development and behavior in boys with fragile-X syndrome support the idea of ​​a characteristic behavioral phenotype in this special population. Preliminary results are presented for 10 boys with fragile-X syndrome in early childhood. Severe mental handicaps and communicative abnormalities are observed less frequently than was expected on the basis of results reported for school-age children or adults. Boys with fragile-X syndrome show goal-directed and cooperative play behaviors in a Montessori play session, but less persistence and organization than children with normal development or a mental handicap of heterogeneous origin. Results confirmed these behavioral differences as characteristic aspects of a "behavioral phenotype" in children who already in early childhood have fragile-X syndrome.]

Language: German

DOI: 10.1024//1422-4917.27.3.175

ISSN: 1422-4917

Abstract/Notes: There is very little research about children with Autism in Montessori early childhood education in Aotearoa New Zealand. This study examined parents’ and teachers’ perspectives of children with Autism attending Montessori early childhood education environments. This thesis documents literature that explores and critiques Montessori philosophy and the teaching of children on the Autism spectrum. The purpose of this study was to gain insights into the Montessori teaching approach in early childhood education, as a supportive environment for children with Autism in the early years. However, I discovered that the Montessori environment is less than ideal if the teachers do not understand Autism Spectrum Disorder and do not make allowances for the symptoms that present themselves. It was my intention to explore the factors that complemented both Montessori and the support of children with Autism with an approach that is conducive to learning and encourages positive behavioural patterns. The findings revealed three main indicators being identified as important. These were social competence, language and communication, and individual interests and sensory implications. However, not all findings were positive. The parents all agreed that the teachers needed to be flexible and understanding in their approach, and many Montessori teachers are strict in their routine and are not prepared to sway from their teaching method to assist a child with Autism. This study suggests that Montessori early childhood teachers would benefit from professional development in the areas of including children with special needs, particularly Autism Spectrum Disorder, particularly in regards to understanding the unique characteristics of children with Autism and how they can effectively use the Montessori philosophy, equipment and prepared environment to support each child’s learning and development. Suggestions for future professional learning for Montessori teachers include the provision of professional development in including children with “special needs”, particularly Autism Spectrum Disorder for Montessori early childhood teachers. It is not only the Montessori philosophy and the prepared environment that supports the child with Autism, but the teacher’s awareness of the child’s needs and a willingness to be flexible in their approach.

Language: English

Published: Auckland, New Zealand, 2015

Abstract/Notes: Little is currently known about how teachers in New Zealand Montessori early childhood centres reflect on Montessori philosophy and practice individually and collaboratively within teaching teams. The purpose of this research was to discover the current views about reflection on Montessori philosophy, the barriers teachers faced in reflecting and opportunities they identified for reflection. The impact that requirements for self review and teacher reflection have had on the approach taken to reflection, inquiry and professional learning by teachers in Montessori early childhood centres was also investigated. This research study used a mixed method case study and data was collected from teachers working in Montessori early childhood centres through semistructured interviews with three groups and an online survey of individual teachers. Participants placed high importance on reflection. However some participants were reluctant to critique Montessori philosophy; either because they viewed it as ‘valid’ or because they were concerned about being regarded as ‘heretical’ by other teachers. Participants felt safe raising questions within their teaching teams, but were more wary of debating and questioning philosophical issues with teachers in the wider Montessori community. Others regarded reflection as an opportunity to develop a shared understanding of Montessori philosophy and practice in their early childhood centre. Despite the participants’ perception that their team spent time reflecting on Montessori philosophy and relating this to daily teaching practice, it was still a challenge to make these reflective activities a priority in limited centre team meeting times. In addition, it appears that more support is needed to improve skills and knowledge about how the cyclical process of review or inquiry can engage with Montessori philosophy, inform centre philosophy, drive centre practice and improve outcomes for children. This study suggests that teachers would benefit from the creation of ‘safe spaces’ where they can engage with colleagues from their own or other Montessori early childhood centres in debate and discussion so that teaching practice becomes based on critical engagement with the underlying theoretical or philosophical principles of Montessori education.

Language: English

Published: Wellington, New Zealand, 2014

Abstract/Notes: This research paper addresses the theme "Montessori Method: contributions to Early Childhood Education". This research sought to answer the research problem "How does the use of the Montessori Method contribute to the learning process of early childhood education children aged 4 to 5 years?" The research described was of an applied nature, qualitative in terms of approach, exploratory in relation to its objectives, in the field modality and developed through the Case Study methodology (GIL, 2008). For data collection, semi-structured interviews were applied to teachers and principals of two early childhood education schools. The data collected through these interviews were analyzed through discursive textual analysis (MORAES, 2003) and based on theoretical contributions, including Montessori (1965), Piaget (1978) and Vygotsky (2001). Data analysis allowed identifying the following study blocks: "The Montessori Method and learning in Early Childhood Education, the Montessori Method and its role in building the freedom and autonomy of the child" and" The training of Montessoian teachers and their performance in the pandemic". The study allowed us to elaborate some knowledge to provide answers to the research problem and my questions. These constructed knowledge scans that the teachers and the principals shared their look at how the Montessori Method contributes to the child of Early Childhood Education beginning to build their independence, freedom and autonomy. I highlight the importance of their participation in deepening the research, through the reports of their practices with the application of the method in focus. The theoretical deepening also contributed to the understanding of the study contributing to my teacher education in this area that delights me a lot. / A presente pesquisa aborda o tema "Método Montessori: contribuições para a Educação Infantil". A referida investigação buscou resposta ao problema de pesquisa "De que forma o emprego do Método Montessori contribui no processo de aprendizagem das crianças da Educação Infantil na faixa etária de 4 a 5 anos?" A investigação descrita, de natureza aplicada, qualitativa quanto à abordagem, exploratória em relação aos seus objetivos, na modalidade de campo, foi desenvolvida através da metodologia de Estudo de Caso (GIL, 2008). Para a coleta os dados foram aplicadas entrevistas semiestruturadas a professoras e diretoras de duas escolas de Educação Infantil que empregam o Método Montessori em sua proposta pedagógica. Os dados coletados através das referidas entrevistas foram analisados por meio da técnica de análise textual discursiva (MORAES, 2003) e fundamentados em aportes teóricos entre os quais destaco Montessori (1965), Piaget (1978) e Vygotsky (2001). A análise dos dados permitiu identificar os seguintes blocos de estudo "O Método Montessori e a aprendizagem na Educação Infantil, O Método Montessori e seu papel na construção da liberdade e da autonomia da criança e a formação de professores montessorianos e sua atuação na pandemia". O estudo realizado permitiu elaborar alguns conhecimentos para dar respostas ao problema de pesquisa e às minhas indagações. A análise dos dados coletados e a experiência das participantes da pesquisa proporcionaram a compreensão de como o Método Montessori contribui para que a criança da Educação Infantil comece a construir sua independência, liberdade e autonomia. Ainda, foi possível fazer um aprofundamento teórico sobre o Método em foco e analisar como ocorre a prática pedagógica montessoriana neste momento de pandemia, contribuindo para minha formação docente nesta área que muito me encanta.

Language: Portuguese

Published: Bento Gonçalves, Brazil, 2021

Abstract/Notes: Penelitian ini dilatar belakangi oleh peserta didik yang perkembagan sosial emosionalnya kurang optimal. Hal ini terlihat pada jam pembelajaran ada sebagian anak tidak mau antri ketika berwudhu, tidak menjaga kebersihan kelas, dan hubungan dengan teman yang tidak solid. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menjelaskan implementasi metode Islamic Montessori  dalam mengembangkan sosial emosional anak usia dini melalui kegiatan practical life di TK IT Mutiara kecamatan Pariaman Tengah Kota Pariaman. Metode penelitian ini adalah penelitian deskriptif kualitatif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa penerapan metode Islamic Montessori  dalam mengembangkan sosial emosional anak usia dini melalui kegiatan practical life di TK IT Mutiara sudah dilakukan mulai dari perencanaan pembelajaran, pelaksanaan, dan evaluasi pembelajaran. Lingkungan sangat berperan dalam membentuk dan mengoptimalkan perkembangan sosial emosonal anak usia dini. / This research is motivated by students whose social emotional development is not optimal. This can be seen in the learning hours where some children do not want to stand in line for ablution, do not keep the classroom clean, and do not have a solid relationship with friends. This study aims to explain the implementation of the Islamic Montessori method in developing social-emotional early childhood through Practical Life activities at IT Mutiara Kindergarten, Central Pariaman District, Pariaman City. This research method is a qualitative descriptive research. The results showed that the application of the Islamic Montessori method in developing Social Emotional Early Childhood through Practical Life activities at IT Mutiara Kindergarten had been carried out starting from lesson planning, implementation, and learning evaluation. The environment plays a very important role in shaping and optimizing the social-emotional development of early childhood.

Language: Indonesian

ISSN: 2614-3097, 2614-6754

Language: English

DOI: 10.1353/ctn.2012.0004

ISSN: 1075-7201