Abstract/Notes: The purpose of the study was to examine students' expected and observable civic engagement in a Montessori Erdkinder-based middle school classroom. Research questions included: (a) In what ways is civic engagement addressed in the Montessori Erdkinder-based middle school explicit curriculum? (b) How does the expected civic engagement in the Montessori Erdkinder-based middle school explicit curriculum align with The Civic Mission of Schools six educational approaches? (c) In what ways do students experience civic engagement at the end-of-the-school year in Grades 7, 8 and 9 in a Montessori Erdkinder-based middle school classroom? The study used a case design with three embedded units of analysis. The purposefully selected participants included the teacher and 19 students. The curriculum was analyzed using document analysis and context was provided through teacher interviews. The curriculum was aligned with The Civic Mission of Schools' six approaches. Students' civic engagement was examined through observations, students' interviews and documents. Cross-case analysis examined civic engagement experiences between each grade level. These analyses were compared findings to civic education literature and The Civic Mission of Schools' six approaches. The study found the curriculum provided opportunities for civic engagement including civic and political skills, civic dispositions and community participation. When compared with The Civic Mission of Schools, the curriculum provided mixed results. Only the students' voices in school governance and service-learning were evident. Students had similar opportunities for civic engagement because of the mixed-age nature of Montessori learning. Evidence of student civic engagement included a student created and maintained democratic classroom environment, community service and service-learning, informal discussion of current events and participation in the Montessori Model United Nations. Although the curriculum did not directly align with The Civic Mission of Schools, it provided an example of (a) an apolitical curriculum for creating world citizens and (b) a model for civility for classroom governance and student behavior. A community of practice was developed based on occupation-based learning in which students learned their roles and experienced stress in a democratic workplace. Recommendations for future research include political socialization and alternative learning environments.

Language: English

Published: Charlottesville, Virginia, 2011

Abstract/Notes: Report of an international conference held at the Froebel Educational Institute, Roehampton, London in July 1970.

Language: English

Published: London, England: World Education Fellowship and Montessori Society in England, 1971

Language: English

Published: New York, New York: American Montessori Society, 1983

Language: English, Norwegian

Published: [Oslo, Norway]: Statens spesiallärerhögskole, 1982

Language: English

Published: Deventer, The Netherlands: Saxion Progressive Education University Press, 2022

Edition: 1st edition

ISBN: 978-94-92618-56-6

Abstract/Notes: This set of proceedings from the Association Montessori International (AMI/USA) 1996 conference contains the conference schedule and 20 presentations.

Language: English

Published: Washington, D.C.: American Montessori International of the United States (AMI/USA), 1997

Language: English

Published: Vermillion, South Dakota, 2008

Abstract/Notes: The Erasmus+ KA201 project PEARL “Emotional Empathic Proximal Learning-Educational Environment” (2018-1-IT02-KA201-048515) is a project that aims to develop and validate an educational model, innovative and replicable at an international level, aimed at the very first childhood, 0–6 years, which favors the growth of children through an empathic and emotional proximal learning educational environment based on group activities. With PEARL Education Model, it is aimed to develop an emotional, emphatic and proximal learning environment. In this article, The PEARL Education Model, its features and experimental design of the project is introduced. To get more information about the project, visit: https://pearl-project.org/ webpage.

Language: English

Published: Ankara, Turkey, 2021

Abstract/Notes: Paper presented at the 2nd Montessori Study Conference, Washington, D.C., July 1966.

Language: English

Published: Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Association Montessori Internationale, 1970

Abstract/Notes: There is very little research about children with Autism in Montessori early childhood education in Aotearoa New Zealand. This study examined parents’ and teachers’ perspectives of children with Autism attending Montessori early childhood education environments. This thesis documents literature that explores and critiques Montessori philosophy and the teaching of children on the Autism spectrum. The purpose of this study was to gain insights into the Montessori teaching approach in early childhood education, as a supportive environment for children with Autism in the early years. However, I discovered that the Montessori environment is less than ideal if the teachers do not understand Autism Spectrum Disorder and do not make allowances for the symptoms that present themselves. It was my intention to explore the factors that complemented both Montessori and the support of children with Autism with an approach that is conducive to learning and encourages positive behavioural patterns. The findings revealed three main indicators being identified as important. These were social competence, language and communication, and individual interests and sensory implications. However, not all findings were positive. The parents all agreed that the teachers needed to be flexible and understanding in their approach, and many Montessori teachers are strict in their routine and are not prepared to sway from their teaching method to assist a child with Autism. This study suggests that Montessori early childhood teachers would benefit from professional development in the areas of including children with special needs, particularly Autism Spectrum Disorder, particularly in regards to understanding the unique characteristics of children with Autism and how they can effectively use the Montessori philosophy, equipment and prepared environment to support each child’s learning and development. Suggestions for future professional learning for Montessori teachers include the provision of professional development in including children with “special needs”, particularly Autism Spectrum Disorder for Montessori early childhood teachers. It is not only the Montessori philosophy and the prepared environment that supports the child with Autism, but the teacher’s awareness of the child’s needs and a willingness to be flexible in their approach.

Language: English

Published: Auckland, New Zealand, 2015