Abstract/Notes: Research shows that environmental education and time outdoors increase social emotional, cognitive, and physical health. We know it’s important to start early and to use a holistic systems-based lens. While research is underway in traditional early childhood programs, research is lacking on how environmental education is implemented and practiced in Montessori early childhood programs. The purpose of the study is to integrate information on the philosophical underpinnings of environmental education with Montessori philosophy and pedagogy, create a questionnaire to examine the implementation of environmental education in Montessori early childhood programming, and pilot the questionnaire to gather information through educators’ responses to systems-based environmental education-framed questions on teacher’s understanding of environmental education, program and pedagogical practices, health promotion, social systems education, natural systems education, and barriers to implementation. Special attention was paid to constructivism, realism mixed with wonder, interdisciplinary practices, biophilia versus ecophobia, critical pedagogy of place, local versus global awareness, and the use of play. A pilot questionnaire was created and sent out via the Internet; 43 questionnaires were returned with sufficient information and analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative methods. The results are included in full to support continuing conversation about the interaction between environmental education and Montessori pedagogy. Final discussion highlights discrepancies between the philosophical foundations of Montessori pedagogy and environmental education and the reported practices.

Language: English

Published: River Falls, Wisconsin, 2019

Language: Spanish

ISSN: 0214-1302

Language: English

ISSN: 0277-9064

Language: English

Language: English

Language: Catalan

Abstract/Notes: Originally published in 1964.

Language: English

Language: English

Abstract/Notes: The paper reports on efforts of the Thakur Hari Prasad Institute (THPI), an Indian voluntary agency, to improve services to persons with mental retardation in the developing nation of India. THPI is involved in both institutional and non-institutional activities, development of national policy, and action research. One project has provided early detection and intervention to about 500 infants and young children with handicaps through use of neuro-muscular stimulation and Montessori methods. A second project is providing early identification and intervention services to over 800 children with handicaps in 10 rural villages. This project stresses locally relevant and affordable methods. The special education program of the institute utilizes individualized education plans, instructional materials made of common household objects, and integrated services. A community based rehabilitation center is planned which will have non-professionals teaching rural oriented skills to mentally retarded persons. Vocational training programs for this population in such areas as carpentry and tailoring have also been initiated. THPI is seeking industry involvement and working for new legislation in such areas as civil rights and guardianship. A parents' movement is being encouraged as is research relevant to developing nations. Increased public awareness and personnel development are also encouraged.

Language: English

Published: India: [s.n.], 1988

Language: English

ISSN: 0362-4331