Language: German

Abstract/Notes: Describes rationale and first-week-of-school activities of a project to implement multi-age classrooms composed of kindergarten, first, and second grade students who spend 3 years in that classroom. Notes that the project's goal is to empower children as learners by allowing them to help design the curriculum and set goals for their own learning.

Language: English

DOI: 10.1023/A:1026092009745

ISSN: 1082-3301, 1573-1707

Language: Polish

ISSN: 1896-2327, 2353-7787

Abstract/Notes: Positive behavioral supports (PBS) and the development of behaviorally oriented planning has become a ubiquitous paradigm in American schools. It is the preferred model for addressing behavioral issues with children as a means of preventing special education identification and placement. The effectiveness of this model has been well documented in peer-reviewed journals and shows an ability to change behaviors and improve academic achievement as measured by empirically designed assessments. However, the measurement of intellectual, moral and behavioral autonomy is seldom measured. Also, researchers from one perspective (Applied Behavioral Analysis) preclude other theoretical perspectives, to create the bulk of the evidence proving the usefulness of PBS as a viable model. It is the purpose of this paper to describe and support the contention that it is the concept of autonomy that is essential in measuring the success of behaviorally related interventions. This goal will be attained by deconstructing the PBS model. Further, it is an additional contention addressed in this paper that various Montessori methods and the theory’s fundamental theoretical concepts do a better job of addressing authentic change and the development of autonomy. This will result in internalized behaviors that behaviorally oriented methods can never demonstrate. A new theoretical model will be presented to illustrate the incorporation of autonomy into the rubric of successful behaviorally related interventions.

Language: English

ISSN: 1545-0473

Abstract/Notes: There is limited amount of research that constitutes non-traditional curricula implemented within an institutionalized context of developing countries. An attempt is made in this project to gain a clearer understanding of a non-traditional early learning program within an orphanage campus setting of Ladyville, Belize, Central America. This program is supported through the Belizean Ministry of Education and the University of Belize. In 1996, a comprehensive literacy survey was conducted in Belize that indicated the functional literacy rate to be approximately 40 percent (Cornerstone, 2007). In addition, it is estimated within developing countries one person in four is illiterate (Terryn, 2006). Liberty Learning Centre (LLC) of Ladyville, Belize implemented non-traditional theoretical curricula reflecting the social-constructivist theory to early learning. The methodologies include: Pikler, Montessori and components of the Reggio Emilia philosophy. The staff of LLC discovered creative, innovative and strategic ways to differentiate traditional academic learning through a diverse non-traditional learning environment. Procedures: Responses from the administration, caregivers, teachers, staff and students were interpreted and documented through various means of audio/DVD/video recordings, photography, interviews and journals. In addition I used detailed anecdotal field notes that became pieces to the methodology for the project. Findings: Responses, thoughts, ideas and viewpoints were given by the administration, teachers, students and staff regarding the implementation of non-traditional curricula within an institutionalized and non-traditional learning environment of a developing country. Implication: An institutionalized and international socio-cultural perspective will extend early childhood education further through a qualitative ethnographic study in Belize. This project gives voice to the silent and voiceless.

Language: English

ISSN: 1556-763X, 1938-9809

Abstract/Notes: This report documents the development of a multimethod approach to understanding program processes in a center-based Early Head Start program. The method, which combines teacher's ratings with participant observation and informal interviewing of families, offers an approach to understanding the experience of early childhood intervention from multiple perspectives. The focus of this article is on the use of data drawn from three case studies to illustrate one way of combining these two different orientations. We place this case-study approach within a larger framework of ways in which qualitative and quantitative data can be combined to better understand how programs are delivered and experienced by participating children and their families. ©2002 Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health.

Language: English

DOI: 10.1002/imhj.10012

ISSN: 1097-0355

Language: Italian

ISSN: 0390-2420

Abstract/Notes: Concurrent to the present reduction of arts education in mainstream American schools, many evolutionary-minded scholars are asserting that artistic behavior contributes significantly to cognition, has been advantageous for our survival, and satisfies psychological needs that are biologically embedded. Supported by long-term and wide-spread art making among the human species and the spontaneous artful behaviors of children, this cross-disciplinary study explores the possibility that artful behaviors represent an inherent part of human nature. Based on an ethological understanding of art (that is, as a behavior rather than an object), this research uses an interpretivist lens and phenomenological design with the ultimate goal of exploring how such proclivities might inform educational policy and practice. Data collection methods include a combination of observation, participant observation, and teacher interviews in a state-funded pre-kindergarten classroom.

Language: English

DOI: 10.21977/D97110002

ISSN: 1932-7528

Language: English

ISSN: 0012-2807

Language: English

ISSN: 0012-2807