Abstract/Notes: Elementary students transferring from traditional education classrooms to a Montessori school lack executive function skills (EFS) and struggle with academic performance and disrupt classes. The specific problem is the lack of strategies and support from school administrators to address an overwhelming number of new elementary Montessori students needing EFS improvement. The purpose of this qualitative exploratory case study was to explore teachers' and school administrators' perceptions of strategies to support teachers regarding EFS development among new Montessori students in grades first through sixth in a single Southwestern Montessori school. The theoretical framework was primarily Vygotsky's social constructionism. The research question involved: What are teachers' and school administrators' perceptions regarding strategies used to support teachers in developing EFS among new Montessori students in grades first through sixth in a Southwestern Montessori school? The sample included four administrators, eight classroom teachers, and four student support teachers. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted, and 2 focus groups were employed: 1 for administrators, and a separate 1 for teachers/support personnel. Findings indicated the need for improved vetting of potential students during the admission process, additional classroom resources, and improvements to the parental education module. Future research is needed to explore the potential for an issue-based strategic planning model to foster collaboration between school administration and teachers.

Language: English

Published: Phoenix, Arizona, 2023

Abstract/Notes: The Montessori method in the learning process, which is based on the principle of the Montessori method that a child's education appears to coincide with the stages of the potential development of learners. The characteristic of the Montesssori method is to emphasize the activities that are raised by the children themselves which can stimulate students to learn actively in learning and can develop students' potential. In this study, researchers used qualitative methods using a case study approach, while the data collection techniques used were observation, interviews and documentation. In collecting data, researchers used the Spradly data analysis model. Data analysis was carried out. It was concluded that the Montessori method is also a method that can develop the potential of students, so it is necessary to introduce the Montessori method in more depth to educators at SD Tiga Bahasa Rukun Harapan, namely by application of understanding to educators regarding the Montessori method.

Language: Indonesian

DOI: 10.55962/metanoia.v5i1.85

ISSN: 2716-2885

Abstract/Notes: This study compared the motivation and quality of experience of demographically matched students from Montessori and traditional middle school programs. Approximately 290 students responded to the Experience Sampling Method (ESM) and filled out questionnaires. Multivariate analyses showed that the Montessori students reported greater affect, potency (i.e., feeling energetic), intrinsic motivation, flow experience, and undivided interest (i.e., the combination of high intrinsic motivation and high salience or importance) while engaged in academic activities at school. The traditional middle school students reported higher salience while doing academic work; however, such responses were often accompanied by low intrinsic motivation. When engaged in informal, nonacademic activities, the students in both school contexts reported similar experiences. These results are discussed in terms of current thought on motivation in education and middle school reform.

Language: English

DOI: 10.1086/428885

ISSN: 0195-6744, 1549-6511

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2022

Abstract/Notes: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of handwork (defined as sewing, knitting, crocheting, weaving, etc.) on elementary aged children. Working with our hands provides opportunities to develop physical and mental skills and express creativity, and handwork allows us to be creative and productive. This study was conducted with a class of 22 students in first, second and third grade in a public Montessori school. Using qualitative and quantitative research methods, the study found that within a Montessori elementary school setting, handwork can encourage students to expand on life skills, produce something tangible and practice relaxation, and overall has a beneficial effect on students.

Language: English

Published: River Falls, Wisconsin, 2023

Abstract/Notes: The current study addresses whether the type of motivator students receive while reading and the school program they attend influences reading retention. Fifth-graders were randomly assigned to read text passages within a context of either intrinsic (learn for fun) or extrinsic (learn to receive a prize) motivators. Retention of the text passage was measured immediately and after a one-week delay. Changes in story recall scores varied as a function of both program type (traditional vs. Montessori) and experimental motivator. Improvement in performance after delay was only evident for Montessori students provided with an intrinsic motivator. The results illuminate how the type of pedagogy and academic motivators a student has been exposed to influence how students approach learning.

Language: English

Published: Washington, D.C.: American Educational Research Association, 2010

Language: English

ISSN: 0894-4555

Language: English

ISSN: 1071-6246

Abstract/Notes: Motivation is a topic of high interest to music educators as they attempt to understand what makes their students want to continue learning. The use of the ukulele in the music classroom has grown over the last ten years due to its versatility. Despite its popularity and music educators’ support for its use, very little research exists on students’ motivation while playing it in a general music classroom setting. Therefore, the purpose of this current study is to compare the motivation levels of two groups of multi-age fourth through sixth-grade students learning the ukulele via different curricula in the music classroom. A quantitative MANOVA design method compared the motivation levels of students experiencing two different ukulele curricula. The study collected quantitative data from (N = 175) fourth through sixth-grade students at Maria Montessori School in Rockford, IL through an adapted twenty-two-item Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI). The results indicated that there was a significant difference in motivation between students who experienced the Quaver Music curriculum and students who experienced the Music Will curriculum. The largest contributor to the difference is the Pressure-Tension subcategory, which leads one to conclude that students who experience lower levels of Pressure-Tension experience higher levels of overall motivation. Activities that promote lower levels of Pressure-Tension should be utilized in the classroom.

Language: English

Published: Lynchburg, Virginia, 2024

Language: English