Language: Dutch

ISSN: 0166-588X

Abstract/Notes: This Master's thesis examines options to advance reading literacy in schools with alternative education. Thesis is focused on teachers work and used methods. The aim of the thesis was to determine, how schools using alternative educational programs support the reading literacy. Theoretical part explores reading literacy, characteristics of alternative educational programs and schools -Montessori, Waldorf, Dalton and program Step by Step. It specifies RWCT - reading and writing to critical thinking program and method of advancement reading literacy and reading. The practical part evaluates surveys filled by teachers from alternative schools and teachers using alternative educational programs. Survey is focused on teacher's job, utilization of RWCT method in schools, working with reading literacy and support of reading. / Tato diplomová práce zkoumá možnosti rozvoje čtenářské gramotnosti ve školách s alternativním vzdělávacím programem. Zaměřuje se na práci učitelů a metody, které při výuce používají. Cílem práce bylo zjistit, jak vybrané školy s alternativním vzdělávacím programem podporují rozvoj čtenářské gramotnosti. Teoretická část diplomové práce se zabývá problematikou čtenářské gramotnosti, charakteristikou vybraných vzdělávacích alternativních programů a škol - Montessori, Waldorfské školy, Daltonské školy, program Začít spolu. Specifikuje program RWCT (reading and writing to critical thinking), zejména metody rozvoje čtenářské gramotnosti a čtenářství. Praktická část vyhodnocuje dotazníkové šetření, směrované učitelům na alternativních školách a pedagogům, kteří se zabývají alternativními vzdělávacími programy. Dotazník je zaměřen na práci učitelů, využití metod RWCT ve školách, práci s čtenářskou gramotností a podporu čtenářství.

Language: Czech

Published: Prague, Czechia, 2022

Abstract/Notes: Preschools have become an important beginning step in education. This sequential mixed methods study sought to determine if the Montessori preschool setting provides greater academic achievement in reading readiness, specifically phonemic awareness, in preschoolers as compared to a conventional elementary standards-based preschool setting. Social constructivist theory and sociocultural theory were used as theoretical frameworks. Qualitative data was comprised of interviews with kindergarten teachers who agreed unanimously that preschool had a positive impact on students’ academic ability upon entrance to kindergarten. However, all four teachers had a negative connotation pertaining to Montessori students and the Montessori Method based solely on students’ behavior and students’ lack of conformity. For the quantitative data, multiple two sample t-tests were conducted to determine the effect of preschool experience on all 90 participants’ reading readiness scores upon entrance to kindergarten based upon DIBELS FSF and PSF and their KRA assessment scores, while taking socio-economic status into consideration. T-tests were used to compare the results from 30 Montessori students, 30 conventional standards-based elementary students, and 30 students with no preschool experience. All three sub-groups were matched equally based on socio-economic status. Montessori students outperformed the other two school groups on all three assessments. The difference in scores when separating Montessori students by socio-economic status is the most significant finding to come from this study. Montessori students considered low income had statistically lower scores on all three assessments when compared to Montessori students who are not considered low income.

Language: English

Published: Findlay, Ohio, 2019

Abstract/Notes: This study focused on helping students with learning disabilities to improve their listening comprehension and acquire early reading skills of decoding, reading and understanding what a word and two- or -three-word phrases say. Since reading at the advanced stage involves comprehension of sentences and paragraphs, in this study, building the foundation of reading at the word level is the logical place to start. With that skill in place, combining words into a phrase and understanding what it means will be the next step. Meanwhile, helping the students understand what was read to them through questioning builds their listening comprehension skills, which will be a great help in reading comprehension once the students have advanced enough to read sentences and paragraphs. The target group used for this study included six 1st graders with learning disabilities, who had difficulties with reading and comprehending. These 1st graders with learning disabilities were not taught one-on-one due to large class size. They had no knowledge of phonics. They could not relate the sounds they heard to the letters of the alphabet. The curriculum-based assessment (CBA) model was the alternative assessment model that was used to assess the students. The 12-week intensive study focused on two variables: a dependent variable and an independent variable. The dependent variable was reading at the word and phrase level, and the independent variable was word sound, blending vowels, consonant blending, and consonant and vowel blending. The scientific methodology was the single subject model, a 1-minute assessment. Each student was assessed for 1 minute each day for 3 days. The results of the assessment were used to determine the baseline before the intervention implementation. This methodology is also known as "AB Design." AB refers to a two-phase design, the baseline phase and the intervention phase. The intervention phase was introduced after the baseline phase was established and recorded in data format. Intervention data were recorded as well. The data collected were graphed in two phases. The results showed that the students were able to learn how to read and acquire comprehension within the 12 weeks. The reading strategies that were used in this study were based on Montessori's methods, which is a methodology in learning how to decode words which leads to automatic reading. These strategies are being used in Montessori schools throughout Dade County public schools, but not particularly with special education students. The results of this study were positive.

Language: English

Published: Cincinnati, Ohio, 2003

Abstract/Notes: Improving academic achievement for students of color has long been the subject of debate among advocates of education reform (Anyon, 2013; Breitborde & Swiniarski, 2006; Payne, 2008). Some scholars have advocated for the Montessori method as an alternative educational approach to address some chronic problems in public education (Lillard, 2005; Murray, 2011, 2015; Torrance, 2012). Montessori programs are expanding in public schools (National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector, 2014c) at a time when the American public school population is more racially diverse than ever before (Maxwell, 2014). A review of the literature reflects a lack of consensus about the efficacy of Montessori elementary instruction for students of color in general, and lack of attention to outcomes for African American students specifically (Dawson, 1987; Dohrmann, Nishisda, Gartner, Lipsky, & Grimm, 2007; Lopata, Wallace, & Finn, 2005; Mallet & Schroeder, 2015). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of reading and math instruction for third grade African American students in public Montessori, traditional, and other school choice settings, using end-of-grade standardized test scores from a large, urban district in North Carolina. Stratified sampling was used to select demographically similar traditional and magnet schools for comparison. Group mean reading and math test scores were compared using factorial MANCOVA and MANOVA procedures. African American students at grade three were found to perform at significantly higher levels in both reading and math in public Montessori schools than in traditional schools. No statistically significant difference was found in math achievement between African American third grade students in public Montessori and other magnet programs, although the Montessori group did achieve at significantly higher levels in reading. This suggests that the Montessori method can be an effective pedagogy for African American students, particularly in reading. Based on these results, recommendations are provided for policy, practice, and future research.

Language: English

Published: Charlotte, North Carolina, 2016

Abstract/Notes: "Mr. [Humayun] Kabir [Education Secretary to the Central Government] was performing the opening ceremony of the Rampriya Vidyaniketan Children's school which will be run on the Montessori system."

Language: English

Language: English

Published: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 2015

Abstract/Notes: The intent of this research was to determine the effect of focusing on cultural lessons as a way to increase student engagement and reading scores. The research study took place in a Montessori charter school in an E1 class, focusing on ten specific students ages six through nine. The four sources of data collection used in this research included pre and post reading scores, student writing samples, an observational checklist and student conferencing. While students’ reading scores did not improve writing scores did. Data also showed an increase in interest in cultural subjects as well as an increased interest in attending formal lessons. Students were more engaged throughout the day but most asked that cultural lessons be taught at the end of the day in order for them to focus on their math and language works.

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2013

Abstract/Notes: This action research studied the impact of strategic methods employed to help increase in intrinsic motivation of children to read while increasing comprehension ability. The study occurred in a private Montessori elementary classroom (grades 1-4). Eight students were exposed to a variety of literature genres strategically introduced and displayed and had the ability to choose literature at their leisure, participated in a book club, and completed weekly comprehension examines. Sources of data include dialogue recorded through teacher journaling, comprehension exam data, tally sheet containing data regarding book selections and also student self-evaluations. Following the implementation of the motivational techniques, participants’ demonstrated a significant increase in motivation to read. In addition, the comprehension exam scores increased steadily throughout the course of the study. The motivational techniques have improved the participants’ overall intrinsic motivation to read; therefore I will continue to implement these techniques into my curriculum.

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2015

Abstract/Notes: The purpose of this research was to identify ways of improving reading fluency for elementary children in grades first through sixth. Children scoring below the 40th percentile on reading standardized test scores, determined our testing population. Four data collections tools were used, including a child-centered survey, a reading fluency rubric, teacher observations, and fluency graphs. The Read Naturally Program was used as the reading fluency intervention. Students made fluency progress in both the upper and lower elementary levels. This research highlights the importance of reading fluency interventions. Further research might focus on self reflection for children using the iPad Read Naturally Program.

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2016