Language: English

Language: English

Language: English

ISSN: 0571-1142

Language: English

ISSN: 0571-1142

Language: English

Abstract/Notes: Under current circumstances, educational issues such as the achievement gap, non-cognitive development, Executive Function, and students with challenging behaviors impact day-to-day classroom practices and fundamentally reshape the results of education. The purpose of this research was to utilize the Montessori environment and principles, as well as the "normalization" approach developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, to help students with behavioral and learning challenges find the balance of their mental developmental processes and maximize their academic achievement at the same time. This action research conducted focused-group case studies of the Montessori Normalization process for children possessing behavioral and learning challenges at a preschool in rural China. The research applied pre-and post-assessment for the 3-6-year-old participants to investigate the evidence of improvement. The assessment utilized indicators based on symptom guidelines for ADHD, ASD, Learning disorders, and Learning Difficulties, published by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The study’s findings indicate that the Montessori-guided early childhood education intervention had helped students with behavioral and learning challenges, thereby providing an alternative solution for addressing the challenge of the development gap. This research also suggested that Montessori-based classrooms provide a positive, nurturing environment for gifted children with learning difficulties (exceptional learners) who confront challenges in a mainstream classroom.

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2022

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