Abstract/Notes: Public Montessori schools have grown in number significantly in the United States. This case study chronicles the journey of teachers as they navigate the tension of balancing the Montessori approach with an accountability Standards model. Although Montessori may be in demand among parents in the nation, exhibited by the increase in public Montessori schools, this approach remains in the niche, or boutique, versus the big box of standards education. In this case study, teachers from a large standards-based school in transition to becoming a public Montessori school answered self-reflective survey questions and were observed in their classrooms to verify their responses. Using this approach, the teachers' practice and reflections were compared and contrasted against the teachers' proclaimed continuum for balancing the dual curriculums of Montessori and Standards-based instruction. Twelve teachers were then interviewed and observed to examine their ability to change. The descriptive feedback from these teachers gave insight into the challenges and successes of implementing complex instructional change. Among significant findings was that some teachers in a short time were able to successfully balance the two curriculum mandates. This study's results revealed that given a complex criteria of support, motivated and experienced teachers could implement this change. This study opens the possibility that under certain circumstances, Montessori boutique education could be replicated in a public Big Box way.

Language: English

Published: Greensboro, North Carolina, 2013

Abstract/Notes: Integrated science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education promises to enhance elementary students’ engagement in science and related fields and to cultivate their problem-solving abilities. While STEM has become an increasingly popular reform initiative, it is still developing within the Montessori education community. There is limited research on STEM teaching and learning in Montessori classrooms, particularly from student perspectives. Previous studies suggest productive connections between reform-based pedagogies in mainstream science education and the Montessori method. Greater knowledge of this complementarity, and student perspectives on STEM, may benefit both Montessori and non-Montessori educators. This instrumental case study of two elementary classrooms documented student characterizations of aspects of STEM in the context of integrated STEM instruction over three months in the 2016-2017 school year. Findings show that the Montessori environment played an important role, and that students characterized STEM in inclusive, agentive, connected, helpful, creative, and increasingly critical ways. Implications for teaching and future research offer avenues to envision STEM education more holistically by leveraging the moral and humanistic aspects of Montessori philosophy.

Language: English

Published: Minneapolis, Minnesota, 2017

Language: English

Published: Moraga, California, 1994

Abstract/Notes: Lack of knowledge about how formative assessment is routinely used in classrooms is a problem for schools and teachers who want to adopt these practices and for schools and teachers who struggle to explain to stakeholders how they use formative assessment to understand and advance their students’ academic growth. Formative assessment has a long history in Montessori education, where it is foundational to teachers’ practice. This project examined the use of summative and formative assessment by Montessori lower elementary teachers in public and private schools. An online survey, classroom observations, and semi-structured interviews were used to collect qualitative and quantitative data on frequency of use for summative and formative assessment; types and frequency of formative assessment use; and meanings which teachers assigned to them. Results indicated that Montessori lower elementary teachers in both public and private schools used summative assessments, with public school teachers using them more than private school teachers, reflecting the requirements of public schools for data collection. Montessori teachers in both types of schools showed a high degree of frequency and unanimity of practice in their use of formative assessment, especially in use of observation and conversation as formative assessment. Findings could by used by schools and teachers who want to understand formative assessment practices as they are enacted in classrooms in order to begin to adopt some of these practices. Findings could be used by Montessori schools and teachers to develop understanding of how they know what their students know in the absence of summative assessment data. This study points to professional development opportunities for public and private schools.

Language: English

Published: Bothell, Washington, 2014

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 implemented goal setting and self-reflection as self-regulated learning strategies and explored how these affected student work completion and on-task behavior. Students in this environment struggled with self-regulated learning and were observed to not complete work on time and needed redirection to focus on work during the work cycle. The study took place in an upper elementary Montessori environment at a private international school. Thirteen 4th grade students (ages 9-10) participated in the study. During this study, students were given lessons on goal setting and self-reflection and had group discussions about effective goal setting. Students set daily goals for themselves during the study and evaluated their progress at the end of the day. Students met with the guides for pre, mid and post-assessment discussions, where they reflected on their goals and progress. Students were observed twice daily for on and off-task behavior, and follow-up work was checked for completion. Despite the challenges of conducting this study during the COVID-19 pandemic, the results showed that student work completion and on-task behavior increased after students began setting goals. In particular, it proved to be beneficial to students who previously struggled with completing work. Further studies could look into integrating goal setting in a more streamlined manner to increase student engagement and interest.

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2022

Abstract/Notes: The purpose of this research was to examine whether the implementation of mindfulness breathing exercises aided in emotional self-regulation. This study incorporated various breathing techniques five days a week for five to ten minutes each day. The six-week study involved 14 children between the ages of 9 and 12 years in a private Montessori school in the southern region of the United States. Data collection included daily observations of the breathing exercises, pre and post-behavioral self-assessments, a daily reflection tool by the researcher, and a student feedback form. Results showed an increase in regulated behavior and breathing techniques being used by deregulated students. The pre and post-behavioral self-assessment showed an increase in positive self-perception as well as a shift in self-control, responsibility, respect, behavior, and self-esteem. The daily observations showed an increase in calm and focus during the morning and afternoon work cycles after implementation at the beginning of both work cycles. 69% of participants felt mindfulness breathing helped as well as 61% enjoyed mindfulness breathing. Two students independently practiced breathing techniques to help them regulate. The data showed a positive correlation between the implementation of mindfulness breathing techniques and self-regulation in children ages 9 to 12. Suggestions for further research include consistent observation time, implementation of a variety of mindfulness activities including yoga or listening to calming music and having a calm place in the classroom to integrate mindfulness practices

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2022

Abstract/Notes: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a mindfulness curriculum and practices on student self-regulation and work completion. The study took place in a large suburban school in western Canada with 19 participants in a grade four, five and six Montessori classroom. The intervention took place over a period of six weeks, during which the researcher led mindfulness lessons using the MindUp curriculum. Additionally, students took part in mindfulness and yoga practices daily and weekly, respectively. Data was collected using student journals, an observational tally, student work cycle folders, and student pre and post surveys. The data shows an increase in mindful and self-regulated behavior as well as improved work completion rates. It is recommended that future studies focus on a broader subject base as well as a more longitudinal period of intervention and data collection.

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2020

Language: English

Abstract/Notes: Part 3 of a series

Language: English