Abstract/Notes: Brain hemispheres develop rather symmetrically, except in the case of pathology or intense training. As school experience is a form of training, the current study tested the influence of pedagogy on morphological development through the cortical thickness (CTh) asymmetry index (AI). First, we compared the CTh AI of 111 students aged 4 to 18 with 77 adults aged > 20. Second, we investigated the CTh AI of the students as a function of schooling background (Montessori or traditional). At the whole-brain level, CTh AI was not different between the adult and student groups, even when controlling for age. However, pedagogical experience was found to impact CTh AI in the temporal lobe, within the parahippocampal (PHC) region. The PHC region has a functional lateralization, with the right PHC region having a stronger involvement in spatiotemporal context encoding, while the left PHC region is involved in semantic encoding. We observed CTh asymmetry toward the left PHC region for participants enrolled in Montessori schools and toward the right for participants enrolled in traditional schools. As these participants were matched on age, intelligence, home-life and socioeconomic conditions, we interpret this effect found in memory-related brain regions to reflect differences in learning strategies. Pedagogy modulates how new concepts are encoded, with possible long-term effects on knowledge transfer.

Language: English

DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13091270

ISSN: 2076-3425

Abstract/Notes: Objectives: Alzheimer's is the most prevalent cognitive disturbance, with a high spread among the elderly. The current research aims to investigate the impact of cognitive rehabilitation on the memory improvement of Alzheimer's disease patients. | Methods: The current research used a semi-experimental design with pre-test and post-test designs. The statistical population in Baghdad in 2021 included 60 patients with Alzheimer's illness, all considered a statistical sample and separated into two experimental and control groups (30 people in each group). The patient's cognitive abilities were assessed prior to the intervention (pre-test), straightly after the intervention (post-test), and two months later (follow-up). The experimental group had twenty-eight 45-minute sessions of training based on the Montessori Method (two sessions per week). The data were analyzed in SPSS version 19 using the independent t-test and repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results have a P-value of less than 0.05. | Results: The findings of the independent t-test demonstrated that there is no significant differ between the scores of the both groups during the pre-test stage (P>0.05) but that this difference is significant during the post-test and follow-up stages (P<0.001). In addition, the findings of repeated measures ANOVA indicated a significant differ between the both groups' mean scores in post-test and follow-up (P<0.001). | Conclusion: Cognitive rehabilitation can help patients with memory disorders and positively affect their memory performance.

Language: English

DOI: 10.32598/irj.21.2.2066.1

ISSN: 1735-3602, 1735-3610

Abstract/Notes: While students are receiving a high-quality education within the classroom, some students face difficulty performing adequately on assessments. These students typically receive intervention support to assist in increasing their skill deficits. However, many schools are unaware of the different approaches they can implement within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports framework. While utilizing a standard protocol has been the preferred method, many schools are currently implementing the problem-solving approach because it targets one skill the student is struggling with. Little research has been conducted comparing or combining the two approaches leading schools to be clueless about which one will provide more positive results. A synthesis of articles implementing one or both approaches was conducted to determine which approach would work best in a Montessori school. Results showed an individualized approach might assist students more based on higher effect sizes. However, some researchers who compared the two approaches indicate both approaches are comparable in yielding positive results. To implement interventions effectively, educators must use an evidence-based intervention that’s explicit and structured, screen and monitor progress to make informed decisions, and implement the intervention with fidelity.

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2023

Abstract/Notes: Maria Montessori’s approach, based on observation of and experimentation with children’s learning processes, remains one of the longest-standing and widely embraced forms of alternative education. Contemporary neuroscience research increasingly validates Montessori’s principles, yet a robust bridge between these two fields remains elusive. Factors such as differing goals, terminology and the lack of a collaborative framework hinder their synergy. This literature review explores the intersection between neuroscience findings and Montessori’s educational philosophy, structured into five key areas. The Perspective first presents various neuroscience insights: an exploration of aspects related to learning, brain development and cognition. Second, a brief background on Maria Montessori’s contributions: a historical overview of Maria Montessori's life, work and educational methodology. Third is the identification of the areas where neuroscience and Montessori principles intersect, including the importance of movement, emotional development, social learning, the role of the prepared environment, the transition from concrete to abstract concepts, self-regulation, sensitive periods and memory. Finally, while acknowledging the challenges and limitations in researching Montessori education, this review emphasises the growing evidence that supports the alignment of Montessori principles with neuroscience findings. This underscores the enduring relevance of Montessori’s holistic education approach and highlights the potential benefits of a deeper collaboration between these fields, to enhance educational practices and promote comprehensive learning experiences for children. / L'approche éducative de Maria Montessori, fondée sur l'observation et l'expérimentation de l'enfant, reste l'une des formes d'éducation alternative les plus anciennes et les plus largement adoptées. La recherche contemporaine en neurosciences valide de plus en plus les principes de Montessori, mais établir un pont solide entre ces deux domaines reste difficile. Des facteurs tels que des objectifs différents, une terminologie différente et l'absence d'un cadre de collaboration entravent leur synergie. Cette revue de la littérature explore l'intersection entre les résultats des neurosciences et la philosophie éducative de Montessori, structurée en cinq domaines clés : Premièrement, la présentation de quelques idées neuroscientifiques : Une exploration de divers aspects neuroscientifiques liés à l'apprentissage, au développement du cerveau et à la cognition. Deuxièmement, un bref historique des contributions de Maria Montessori : un aperçu historique de la vie, de l'œuvre et de la méthodologie éducative de Maria Montessori. L'identification des domaines où les neurosciences et les principes Montessori se croisent est ensuite présentée, notamment l'importance du mouvement, le développement émotionnel, l'apprentissage social, le rôle de l'environnement préparé, la transition des concepts concrets aux concepts abstraits, l'autorégulation, les périodes sensibles et la mémoire. Tout en reconnaissant les défis et les limites de la recherche en éducation Montessori, cette revue met l'accent sur les preuves de plus en plus nombreuses de l'alignement des principes Montessori sur les résultats des neurosciences. Cela souligne la pertinence durable de l'approche éducative holistique de Montessori et met en lumière les avantages potentiels d'une collaboration plus approfondie entre ces domaines, dans le but d'améliorer les pratiques éducatives et de favoriser des expériences d'apprentissage complètes pour les enfants.

Language: English

DOI: 10.26034/cortica.2023.4218

ISSN: 2813-1940

Abstract/Notes: Learning with nature is increasingly popular in Malaysia. However, there are challenges when designing kindergarten outdoor physical environments to assist learning with nature in Malaysia. Previous studies have looked into the types of necessary nature interaction and spaces needed for learning with nature. However, there is a gap in understanding the factors influencing the methods to include nature in the kindergarten outdoor areas. This research aims to investigate the methods of incorporating nature in the outdoor physical environment of kindergartens to facilitate learning with nature. This research is a multiple case study using maximum variation sampling. The main findings suggest that each school’s design is unique as their curriculums and philosophy are different, and the way children interact with nature depends on it. Gibson’s Theory of Affordances, which is when the environment and surroundings allow for the interaction we intended, can help design kindergarten outdoor areas to cater to the curriculum. Integrating nature and man-made materials in the design can create a conducive environment for learning with nature. External factors namely the size of available outdoor areas, terrain conditions, and others will influence how nature is incorporated in the design.

Language: English

DOI: 10.1063/5.0167640

ISSN: 0094-243X

Language: English

Abstract/Notes: There is a need to translate research findings to support the wider adoption of person-centered care into typical long-term care environments across the world. Montessori for Aging and Dementia is one mechanism to support person-centeredness, dignity and autonomy of older adults living in long-term care environments. In this presentation, strategies used to support the implementation of Montessori for Aging and Dementia in a long-term care community of 20 people living with severe dementia will be highlighted. Implementation support was provided through capturing and sharing local knowledge, ongoing training and consultation, and tailoring communication supports. Through the use of these iterative strategies, the program was successfully adapted to include people living with severe dementia. While key findings of the project included improvements on a variety of observational and staff administered measures, the focus of this presentation will be on the relationships between the Montessori program’s fidelity, local needs and implementation strategies.

Language: English

DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igab046.187

ISSN: 2399-5300

Language: German

Published: Wien, Austria: Jugend & Volk, 2020

ISBN: 978-3-7100-4362-8 3-7100-4362-X

Language: German

Published: Innsbruck, Germany: Studien Verlag, 2009

Edition: 1st ed.

ISBN: 978-3-7065-4721-5 3-7065-4721-X

Series: Initiative neues Lernen

Language: German

ISSN: 0944-2537