Abstract/Notes: Mixed-age groups have been shown to be effective in classroom settings, but only a handful of studies have explored mixed-age grouping in play. This research is a case study of one New York public elementary school that places great value on recess and mixed-age groupings. The school has implemented Let Grow Play Club before school one day per week for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. We use child interviews, teacher interviews, and parent surveys to examine the perceptions of mixed-age, outdoor play provided in Play Club and the school more generally. Across the different types of data, stakeholders expressed their support for cross-age interactions in mixed-age groupings. This play was perceived as valuable for helping build friendships and developing social skills, as older children become role models to younger ones. As suggested by Vygotsky’s (1978) theories, children are learning from one another and enhancing their development through unstructured play.

Language: English

DOI: 10.1080/21594937.2021.1878774

ISSN: 2159-4937

Abstract/Notes: This study investigated the effect of using activities based on the Montessori approach in science academic achievement of the fourth grade students. A quasiexperimental design was used wherein the students were equally divided into two groups: the experimental and the control group. Both groups consisted of 31 students. To achieve the aim of the study, Montessori Hall has been set up with six dimensions, and each corner has several shelves comprised different materials used for conducting the science activities. In addition, a teacher guide was prepared to be used by the teacher to implement the Montessori approach for the experimental group. Finally, an achievement test that consisted of seven multiple choice questions (MCQs) and five short answer questions was constructed and administered to both study groups. The results of the study indicated that there were statistically significant differences at the level of significance (P ≤ 0.05) between the mean values of the experimental and the control groups in the academic achievement in favor of the experimental group. In light of the study results, the study recommends holding training workshops for teachers on how to use the Montessori approach in teaching science classes.

Language: English

DOI: 10.29333/iji.2019.12244a

ISSN: 1308-1470, 1694-609X

Language: English

Abstract/Notes: Montessori approach deals with learning in independence and liberty. This way of learning requires students to explore information based on their learning interest. Therefore, reading has become one of the keys in learning successfully in a Montessori school. Moreover, the impact of self-efficacy on the learning outcomes has been explored in the educational psychology as a field of study. This study inspects students’ self-efficacy perceptions and their factors in reading comprehension in a Montessori Junior High School registered in 2018-2019 academic year. It is located in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. English is the main language used in the teaching-learning process in the school. The study is conducted by using mixed method. Findings are based on the 27 close-ended questions and three open-ended questions obtained from the students in grade seven and eight. In analyzing the results, concurrent triangulation strategy is applied. The results show that the students have positive self-efficacy perceptions on their reading (Average= 3.449/5), especially in reading, explaining, summarizing texts and comprehending the graphics found in the text without the guidance of their teachers. Their self-efficacy sources are found in their mastery experiences, vicarious experiences, verbal persuasion, and emotional and psychological states.

Language: English

DOI: 10.15642/ijet2.2019.8.2.26-37

ISSN: 2548-6497

Abstract/Notes: Montessori approach is mostly used in the kindergarten and elementary school, especially in Indonesia. To explore the approach in the higher level of education, the research took place in a private Montessori Junior High School in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. This study is intended to investigate the students’ perceptions on the implementation of Montessori approach to improve their vocabulary due to the fact that vocabulary is central to language learning. The research participants are students in grades seven and eight. There were three research instruments in this study, namely observations, questionnaire, and Focus Group Discussion (FGD). Three different research instruments were used to make sure that the data obtained was valid. The researchers crosschecked the results from each instrument to triangulate data consistency. Based on the findings, the students have positive perceptions on the implementation of Montessori approach for vocabulary learning. The implementation of Montessori approach promotes its unique learning activities, teacher’s personal guidance, and students’ learning awareness, internal motivation, and interest. The students perceived that the implementation of Montessori approach can improve their vocabulary.

Language: English

ISSN: 2503-4405

Abstract/Notes: A general rethinking of the school system is underway. Today, the purpose of school is to prepare students for rapid change and the complexity of reality so that they are not overwhelmed. Executive cognitive functions have been shown to be fundamental to this purpose, specifically thoughtful planning of an idea, reflexivity, systematic approach to a task/problem, and the ability to stay focused. These are the skills that tomorrow's leaders will need (Diamond and Lee, 2011). But what theoretical and instructional models exist that aim to develop the cognitive skills necessary to succeed in school and in life? How and to what extent are the pedagogical principles of these models reflected in the organization of the physical learning space? This paper aims to trace some of the methods that promote the development of executive cognitive skills and examine how they organize the learning space.   Ambienti di apprendimento che potenziano il funzionamento cognitivo degli studenti. È in atto un ripensamento generale del sistema scolastico. Oggi la finalità della scuola è di preparare gli studenti ai rapidi cambiamenti e alla complessità del reale in modo che non ne siano travolti. Fondamentali a questo scopo si sono rivelate le funzioni cognitive di tipo esecutivo, in particolare la pianificazione mentale di un’idea, la riflessività, la sistematicità nell’affrontare un compito/problema e la capacità di rimanere concentrati. Queste sono le competenze di cui avranno bisogno i leader di domani (Diamond & Lee, 2011). Ma quali sono i modelli teorici e didattici che si propongono di sviluppare le competenze cognitive necessarie per avere successo a scuola e nella vita? Come e in che misura i principi educativi di questi modelli si riflettono sull’organizzazione dello spazio fisico di apprendimento? Questo contributo si propone di ripercorrere alcuni tra i metodi che favoriscono lo sviluppo di competenze cognitive di tipo esecutivo e di indagare come organizzano lo spazio formativo.

Language: Italian

DOI: 10.36253/form-12606

ISSN: 1825-7321

Abstract/Notes: There is now a well developed literature on the impact of high stakes testing on teaching approaches and student outcomes. However, the student perspective has been neglected in much research. This article draws on a mixed method longitudinal study of secondary students in the Republic of Ireland to explore the impact of two sets of high stakes examinations on student experiences. The analyses are based on surveys completed by 897 lower secondary students and 748 upper secondary students, along with 47 lower secondary and 53 upper secondary group interviews with students. Findings show the presence of impending high stakes exams results in increased workload for students, with many reporting pressure and stress. Throughout their schooling career, students clearly favour active learning approaches. However, for some students, particularly high-aspiring middle-class students, these views change as they approach the terminal high stakes exam, with many showing a strong preference for a more narrowly focussed approach to exam preparation. This article highlights how students shift from a position of critiquing exam-focused teaching methods as inauthentic to accepting such methods as representing ‘good teaching’.

Language: English

DOI: 10.1007/s11092-012-9154-6

ISSN: 1874-8600, 1874-8597

Abstract/Notes: The purpose of this review is to investigate, via a quantitative meta‐analysis, the hypothesis that the Montessori method is at least as effective as traditional education in affecting academic and social outcomes for children. The proposed meta‐analysis is completed with the intention to help the public, as well as the research community, make more informed and empirically sound decisions regarding Montessori education by collecting, codifying, synthesizing, and disseminating the current empirical research.

Language: English

DOI: 10.1002/CL2.152

ISSN: 1891-1803

Abstract/Notes: Students of color comprise a majority in public Montessori school enrollments around the United States, and practitioners are often asked for evidence of the Montessori Method’s benefits for these students. This article examines the relevant literature related to the experiences of students of color in public Montessori schools. Research finds Montessori education offers both opportunities and limitations for students of color in attending diverse schools, developing executive functions, achieving academically, accessing early childhood education and culturally responsive education, minimizing racially disproportionate discipline, and limiting overidentification for special education. Public Montessori education’s efficacy with students of color may be limited by several factors: the lack of diversity of the teaching staff and culturally responsive teacher education, schools that struggle to maintain racially diverse enrollments, and the challenge of communicating Montessori’s benefits to families with alternative views of education. The review concludes with directions for future research.

Language: English

DOI: 10.17161/jomr.v3i1.5859

ISSN: 2378-3923

Abstract/Notes: The objective of this study is to investigate the Montessori teaching method to improve students’ interest, and to create outstanding young children who are independent, discipline, responsible, and creative by providing a type of learning system called Montessori. It is the learning approach types that provides attractive set of educational as materials and books, creative teachers and supporting environment. The investigation used the qualitative and observational methods. The sample for the study comprised 20 kindergarten pupils from Gifted Kids Montessori School located in Pontianak. The instruments that the writer used for collecting data were questionnaires, interviews, and the observations. Based on the study the writer concluded that kids (under age six) have intern desire to learn and explore, with the help of parent, peers way and environment which supporting they can achieve quality of learning well. This study offers suggestion to future researchers on alternative learning methods, especially for the parents of very young children. The findings of this research could be used as a model for learning other subjects.  Keywords:  Montessori, Learning, Teaching, Sensory

Language: English

ISSN: 2656-0518