Abstract/Notes: This seven-week study explored the impact of student-self assessment on learning and engagement behaviors of 48 sixth graders during math classes in a public school setting. Data collection tools such as student surveys, pre-and post -self-assessments, observations, reflections, and teacher- student conferencing provided the information to inform the conclusions regarding self-efficacy. Observation confirmed that a student’s participation in using self-evaluation to contribute to their learning affected internal processes such as motivation and engagement. Assessment activities that provided evidence and feedback to inform goals specific to skill development and learner traits yielded significant results. Highly structured assessment tools and classroom routines reduced students' reliance on the teacher to interpret and use individual performance data. The use of formative assessment practices that promoted goal setting, self-assessment and self-determination practices improved engagement and learning behaviors in the classroom.

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2022

Abstract/Notes: Upper-elementary mathematics becomes increasingly complex, and the gap between fluency and ineptitude grows. Considering the importance of math competency, the educator must act to narrow this achievement gap. This six-week action research study examined the effect of the implementation of teaching and encouraging student application of differentiated discourse strategies on mathematical achievement and empowerment on twenty-two nine-to-twelve-year old suburban students. Qualitative and quantitative data analysis yielded three key themes: nominal growth in student achievement, a marked increase in mathematical modeling, and a considerable shift in perception of discourse responsibility, impacting student mindset, behavior, and participation. Findings suggest that student engagement in mathematical discourse is a transformative practice. Further research is required to quantify academic gains over an extended period of intervention and the influence of adult execution in identifying the upper and lower zones of proximal development.

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2022

Abstract/Notes: This mixed-methods action research examined the effects of classroom talk lessons on children’s perceptions of collaborative group work in an online Montessori learning environment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were 19 Lower Elementary students and one teacher/investigator. All work was online, both synchronous and asynchronous. Students were presented with lessons in classroom talk, and practiced these skills during online collaboration in the creation of a student newsletter. Key findings were that students use of classroom talk behaviors and rigorous thinking increased slightly over the four-week period and students’ perceptions of their community identity and the value of their ideas increased over the course of the intervention, most notably in younger students. Teaching classroom talk had positive effects on student agency, depth of collaborative work, and grace and courtesy in this digital Montessori classroom. Respectful disagreement was identified as an area for future study.

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2021

Abstract/Notes: This action research project investigated how to establish effective instruction and learning tools, specifically, Google Slides within Google Classroom, in an online Montessori Teacher Training Center. Effective instruction includes ways to simulate the positive experiences found in an inperson model, such as community building and collaborative learning. This study investigated training modules, surveys, document collection, and interviews of enrolled adult learners and program instructors. Students and instructors had similar previous experience with Gmail and Google Docs, and less experience with Google Slides. Following the intervention, students reported that Google Slides worked well as an asynchronous learning tool, and the positivity of the impact changed depending on how Google Slides was used. Based on these results, I recommend that instructors incorporate multi-media into Google Slides for both shared and individual use. It is important to consider ways to incorporate group participation in shared Google Slides. Overall, Google Slides is an effective way to engage students in an online setting.

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2020

Abstract/Notes: In this article the author describes how she and her partners started The Learning Tree Montessori Child Care, a Montessori program with a different approach in Seattle in 1979. The author also relates that the other area Montessori schools then offered half-day programs, and as a result the children who attended were, for the most part, privileged, suburban, and white (their mothers could easily shuttle them back and forth to a half-day Montessori session). Instead of following the common practice of a Montessori 3-hour preschool experience followed by afternoon child care on- or offsite, their school has always offered a full-time seamless Montessori child-care program for children 2 1/2 through 5 years old with a 3-year age mix in every classroom. Parents may choose an all day program from 7:30 to 5:30 or a "school day" program from 9:00 to 3:00. The school's mission was to serve children of diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds as well as children from gay and lesbian families, with a goal that at least 20-25% of the families are eligible for some kind of tuition subsidy. Another significant feature of The Learning Tree is the extensive parent involvement in school programs.

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Language: English

ISSN: 0889-5643

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Language: English

ISSN: 1470-8647

Abstract/Notes: Includes reviews of relevant children's books

Language: English

ISSN: 1354-1498

Language: English

ISSN: 1354-1498