Abstract/Notes: Maria Montessori developed a form of education in the first half of the last century that came to be called by her surname, and research indicates it often has positive outcomes. In the years since its development, tens of thousands of schools worldwide have called their programs Montessori, yet implementations vary widely, leading to confusion about what Montessori education is. Although there are varied opinions, here we use Dr. Montessori’s books and transcribed lectures to describe the conclusions of her work at her life’s end. We term this final conclusion authentic in the sense of “done in the traditional or original way,” (the primary definition of the adjective in Oxford English Dictionary, 2019). We do not claim that the original is superior to variants; this is an issue for empirical science. Our overarching goal is to provide researchers, policy makers, administrators, teachers, and parents with a benchmark from which to measure and evaluate variations from the education method Dr. Montessori bequeathed at the end of her life. In the ongoing search for alternative educational methods, the time-honored and burgeoning Mon­tessori system is of considerable interest. Dr. Montessori conceptualized the system as a triangle for which the environment, the teacher, and the child formed the legs. Part I of this two-part article examines Dr. Montessori’s view of what constitutes the environment, in terms of its material, tem­poral, and social features. An appendix to Part II summarizes the features. In the ongoing search for alternative educational methods, the time-honored and burgeoning Montessori system is of considerable interest. Dr. Montessori conceptualized the system as a triangle for which the environment, the teacher, and the child formed the legs. Part I of this two-part article examines Dr. Montessori’s view of what constitutes the environment, in terms of its material, temporal, and social features. An appendix to Part II summarizes the features.

Language: English

DOI: 10.17161/jomr.v5i1.7716

ISSN: 2378-3923

Abstract/Notes: The present study aims to identify the effectiveness of a counseling program based on the use of the Montessori method on the environmental adaptive behavior in a sample of children with mild intellectual disabilities, identifying also the differences in the level of behavioral adaptation in a sample of children on the adaptive behavior scale pre/post application of the program. The researchers define a sample of (40) items, applied to a sample consisting of (40) children with mild intellectual disabilities, aged between (10-12) years, selected from boys, divided equally to (20) experimental samples and (20) control samples, from Al-Ghafir Foundation for people with special needs. The researcher has used the (experimental) method and applied the scale of adaptive behavior. The research has come to several results, the most important of which is that there is a statistically significant correlation between the average scores of the control group and the experimental group, regarding the post application of the total adaptive behavior scale. There are statistically significant differences between the average scores of the experimental group, regarding the post/ follow up application of the adaptive behavioral scale. There are statistically significant differences between the average scores of the control group and the experimental group regarding the post-application of the total behavior scale, in favor of the experimental group. The research reached a set of recommendations, the most important of which are: the necessity of providing the necessary tools for developing skills for children with disabilities within government institutions, setting a special budget.

Language: Arabic

DOI: 10.21608/jes.2020.206380

ISSN: 1110-0826

Abstract/Notes: Recognizing the inherent attention in examining how educational practices affect our future, there is little known about society's demands related to early childhood education. This paper aims to analyze the current preschool enrolment situation in the Euro-Western world and the demands of society, focusing attention on the characteristics needed in the prepared environment and in teacher training practices that inclusive education offers. Different socio-cultural theories have been analyzed, and practices regarding human development have been presented as they guarantee an integral development of the child, one which respects infant developmental stages and offers the right scaffolding and environment to stimulate a child's interest and potential. All these aspects are claimed in society, and are reflected in the Montessori Pedagogy principles, where thanks to the observation and knowledge regarding children's needs, educators can prepare stimulating environments that lead to personal formative development.

Language: English

DOI: 10.46328/ijres.1272

ISSN: 2148-9955

Abstract/Notes: This paper highlights the differences and similarities between a Kindergarten outside Bremen in Lower Saxony, Germany and a Primary School Junior Infant Class in County Cork, Republic of Ireland. Both are concerned with the education of the young child but whereas the Kindergarten is attended by three to six year olds, the Junior Infant Class caters almost exclusively for four to five year old children. A case study account of both groups is given and an analysis of the activities which took place in each using the ‘Target Child Observational Schedule’ [Sylva et al., (1980)] is presented in bar‐graph form. The paper concludes that Erzieherinnen, Kinderpflegerinnen and Junior Infant Class teachers need to engage in more interaction with the children in order, in particular, to raise the frequency and quality of linguistic interaction. An increase in the structure of the children's play would help to enhance cognitive development. [Cet article souligne les differences et les similitudes entre un Jardin d'Enfants en Basse Saxonie, près de Brème (Allemagne) et une classe maternelle dans le comtè de Cork (République d'Irlande). Les deux établissements sont charges de l'éducation de jeunes enfants, mais tandis que les élèves du Jardin d'Enfants sont ages d'entre trois et six ans, la classe de maternelle ne s ‘occupe pratiquement exclusivement que d'enfants de quatre a six ans. On donnera un compte‐rendu de l'étude de cas faite sur les deux groupes, ainsi qu'une presentation sous forme de graphique en barres de l'analyse des activites proposées de part et d'autre, basée sur le Programme d'observation cible de l'enfant du Professeur Kathy Sylva (1980). En conclusion, nous avancerons que les Erzieherinnen, les Kinderpflegerin et les enseignants de la classe maternelle doiventfaire preuve de davantage d'interaction avec les enfants afin, en particulier, d'élever le niveau auquel de tels enfants parlent. Une structuration accrue des activites ludiques des enfants aurait également pour résultat un développement cognitif plus rapide. / Este ensayo trata de las diferencias y semejanzas entre un prescolar en la baja Sajonia, en las afueras de Bremen, Alemania, y una Clase Junior Infantil en la Escuela Primaria del Condado de Cork, en la República de Irlanda. Los dos sistemas se ocupan de la education de niños en la primera infancia pero, mientras que el prescolar se ocupa de niños entre las edades de tres y seis años, la Clase Junior Infantil se dedica casi exclusivamente a los niños de cuatro a cinco anos de edad. Este papel describe un caso particular de cada uno de estos dos grupos asi como de las actividades que tuvieron lugar en cada uno de ellos, utilizando Target Child Observational Schedule (1980) de Kathy Sylva, y que se presentan a manera de gráfica de barras. Es estudio llega a la conclusion de que los educadores de Erzieherinnen, Kinderpflegerin y de las Clases Infantiles Junior necesitan aumentar la interactión con el niho para elevar, especialmente, el nivel en el que estos nihos hablan. Un incremento en la estuctura del juego de los nihos también resultaria en la mejora del desarrollo cognitivo.]

Language: English

DOI: 10.1080/0966976950030303

ISSN: 0966-9760

Abstract/Notes: After a brief introduction to the Montessori model of education (psychological foundations, guiding principles, distinctive features), the Author’s contribution is aimed at giving a satisfactory representation of the Montessori teacher, in particular the one dealing with learners at the elementary school stage. The framework is developed using a selection of sources belonging to three different types: Montessori’s writings, visual materials, empirical data. Each section collects specific material with the intention of bringing it to the attention of the reader, allowing wider reflection from different points of view. The triangulation of the proposed contents and data is seen as a method for considering this complex but fascinating teacher profile both in its theoretical specificities and in its operational qualities in the context in which the teaching-learning process takes place. The desired overall results should allow a greater focus on the profile and role of the Montessori teacher in the elementary school as well as giving the reader himself the opportunity to elaborate further reflections and conclusions independently. / Po krótkim omówieniu modelu edukacji Marii Montessori (podstawy psychologiczne, zasady postępowania, cechy wyróżniające) autorka stara się zaprezentować wyczerpujący opis roli nauczyciela Montessori, zwłaszcza na poziomie szkoły elementarnej. Opracowane w tym celu ramy opisu obejmują selekcję materiałów należących do trzech źródeł: oryginalnych pism M. Montessori, materiałów wizualnych (ikonograficznych) oraz danych empirycznych z badań własnych. Każdy z wymienionych działów zbiera materiały o wysokiej jakości z intencją skoncentrowania na nich uwagi czytelnika i poddania ich szerszej refleksji z różnych punktów widzenia. Triangulacja proponowanych treści i danych jest tu postrzegana jako metoda badania złożonej, lecz fascynującej charakterystyki profilu nauczyciela, zarówno w aspekcie jego teoretycznych właściwości, jak i operacyjnych cech działania ujawnianych w kontekście procesu nauczania-uczenia się. Głównym celem analizy jest głębsze skoncentrowanie się na profilu i roli nauczyciela Montessori w szkole elementarnej, a także umożliwienie czytelnikowi samodzielnej, pogłębionej refleksji nad zagadnieniem i niezależnego formułowania własnych wniosków.

Language: English

DOI: 10.14632/eetp.2017.13.47.29

ISSN: 1896-2327, 2353-7787

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: The study investigated the effects of school environment and methods of teaching on language skills achievement of pre – primary school pupils in Edo State. It also investigated the interaction effects of Montessori and played methods and urban and rural environments on pupils' achievement in listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Three urban and three rural areas which were selected from two Local Government Areas (LGAs) were used for the study. Six pre - primary schools were purposively selected for the study. A total of 228 kindergartens 2 pupils intact classes were used for the study which lasted for eight weeks. The study was a pretest, posttest, quasi- experimental control group design with independent variables as methods and school location while achievement in Language Skills Achievement Test (LSAT) was the dependent variable. Descriptive statistics and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) were used to analyze the data obtained while the Multiple Classification Analysis (MCA) was used as post-hoc test for further significance. Three research questions were answered with three hypotheses, tested at 0.05 level of significance. Results showed that the Montessori Method of teaching pre –primary pupils was more effective than the play method. Similarly, urban school pupils achieved higher than their rural counterparts. There was also a significant interaction effect of methods and school location on pupils' academic achievement in Language skills. It was therefore recommended that the Nigerian Government should adopt the Montessori Method as a dominant method of teaching pre – primary school pupils and that pre – primary school owners should provide materials adequately for teaching and learning.

Language: English

DOI: 10.31014/aior.1993.04.03.335

ISSN: 2621-5799, 2657-215X

Abstract/Notes: The roles of morbidity and environmental conditions in determining nutritional status were investigated in urban Montessori school children. In all, 265 children (30–60 months) were observed for weight, height, morbidity status and their household environmental conditions including hygiene, overcrowding, waste disposal methods and general housing background. The same sample was observed again after six months to assess their growth. Mean weight and height of all the children were 13.0 ± 1.4 kg and 95.9 ± 5.3 cm respectively. Relative gain in weight was observed to be 60–70 gms/kg during the six months period. Children were receiving total supplementation of about 170 kcal and about 5 g of protein per day. The children were divided into two classes according to their living conditions. Six factors formed the basis of scores which were used to classify all households into good and average environmental conditions. Those with better environmental conditions were associated with better nutritional status of children. The number of days lost due to sickness per ill child were smaller in houses with better scores. Relative gain in weight was negatively correlated with days lost due to illness suggesting synergistic effects of duration of illness and environment on nutritional status.

Language: English

DOI: 10.1080/03670244.1994.9991368

ISSN: 0367-0244

Abstract/Notes: The question of whether early academic environments provide a challenge or a pressure for young children is being hotly debated, yet there is little empirical research on this topic. This paper presents a subset of data from a two-year comprehensive project designed to examine this question. Parental attitudes and behaviors along with school philosophy and practices comprised the predictor variables used to define "academic environments." This study then focused on how these family and school variables related to child outcome measures of academic competence, creativity, and emotional well-being for 90 prekindergarten children, and a follow-up sample of 56 kindergarten children. The results suggest no academic advantages for children from highly academic environments, and potential disadvantages in creative expression (measured as originality) and emotional well-being (measured as test anxiety and attitudes toward school). Possible interpretations and ramifications of these results are discussed.

Language: English

DOI: 10.1207/s15566935eed0106_1

ISSN: 1040-9289, 1556-6935

Abstract/Notes: The physical environment in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) institutions provide children with possibilities for play. This study describes a physical environmental intervention aiming to increase the possibilities for functional play in the indoor environment, and its influence on children’s well-being and physical activity. The intervention involved the establishment of a tumbling space with soft surfaces, mats and big construction materials. The sample consists of video observations of 65 children’s free play in seven ECEC institutions at two data points. Multilevel regression analysis indicates that children’s physical activity and functional play is strongly related to the use of a tumbling space, and that the intervention group had a higher increase in functional play following the intervention compared to the control group. The impact of the tumbling space on well-being is limited. The results indicate that targeting children’s possibilities for functional play may be beneficial form a health promotion standpoint.

Language: English

DOI: 10.1080/03004430.2019.1651305

ISSN: 0300-4430, 1476-8275