Language: German

ISSN: 0944-2537

Language: German

Published: Münster, Germany: Lit, 2002

ISBN: 978-3-8258-5746-2

Series: Impulse der Reformpädagogik , 7

Abstract/Notes: In order to explore the way in which pedagogical practices are identified as being inclusive and might appear as they are used by teachers in Montessori settings, this instrumental case study is focused on finding nine inclusive pedagogical practices. The identified practices were clustered according to the themes of promoting collaboration, access to the curriculum and the recognition and acceptance of learners. Using direct observation in classrooms and individual teacher interviews as data collection methods, four teachers in Montessori primary classrooms were the main participants in this study. A combination of deductive and inductive methods was used to analyse the data. This study is set within a theoretical framework that includes Florian and Black-Hawkins’ rights-based interpretation of inclusive education in the management of a variety of learning needs among learners. The study also examines the relationship between the Montessori Method and inclusive pedagogical practices found in order to understand the extent to which the Montessori Method had an influence on the practices. The findings of this study indicate that elements such as the classroom setup, multi-age groupings and a strong focus on the individual learner had some influence on the inclusivity of the pedagogical practices observed.

Language: English

Published: Johannesburg, South Africa, 2015

Abstract/Notes: This chapter illustrates the main results of a language laboratory held in a Montessori primary school in Milan, Italy, during 7 years. Pupils (age: 9–11) are guided in the collective invention of a secret language, using all their linguistic repertoire present in class – including minority and home languages. The structure of the language is highly influenced by the language of instruction (in our case, Italian), but, at the same time, it differs from that because its aim is to be secret. In other words, the invented language is shared among the class members only, who know how to decipher its alphabet and grammar, unlike other schoolmates. Secrecy permits the inventor to insert elements from other languages, resulting in an a priori language contact. During the process of invention, participants increase their metalinguistic awareness and thus their understanding of the languages they are studying formally – in our case, Italian and English. The Montessori method fosters a “learning-by-doing” approach and an active interdisciplinary cross-fertilization (called Cosmic Education). In fact, pupils may use the secret language to create an imaginary country – usually an island – and conceive a utopian society, putting together notions of natural sciences (for instance, orography) and social sciences, in particular, to describe the ideal human society speaking their secret language. The chapter also includes reflection on how this language laboratory can be applied in other educational contexts, maintaining its original character of being a serious game for learning.

Language: English

Published: Cham, Switzerland: Springer International Publishing, 2019

ISBN: 978-3-319-73400-2

Abstract/Notes: Oriented toward a direct instructional routine in preparation for regular school, the Philadelphia Prekindergarten Head Start Program (PKHS) provides experiences to counter-balance effects of social and economic disadvantagement; parent involvement; staff development; and special supportive services. It employs five instructional models: Bank Street, Behavioral Analysis, Montessori, open classroom, and responsive learning. Observations indicate that children's activities usually emphasized language and social developmental skill areas, while adults were primarily observed in group leader or direct teacher roles. When tested against the Developmental Behavior Checklist, PKHS children accomplished approximately the same number of items as the total prekindergarten population. During the course of the program the number of children identified as developmentally "delayed" or "suspicious" decreased by 50 percent. It also appears that the program has a positive lasting effect on children's scores on standardized tests through grade 5. Children enrolled in the program received extensive psychological, nutritional and social services during 1979-80. Parent involvement in the program was high in both classroom participation and policy or planning meetings. Staff development was also a major component of the program. Over 70 percent of staff attended more than five workshops during the year. (Author/AEF)

Language: English

Published: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Jan 1981

Abstract/Notes: This volume presents case studies of 10 ungraded primary programs. Also discussed are the obstacles, accomplishments, advantages, and disadvantages of ungraded primary programs experienced by the faculties of these schools; their recommendations for future implementation; and the literature on multi-age grouping and ungraded primary programs. Case studies were used to: (1) illustrate concepts, procedures, and materials being used by schools that had initiated ungraded primary programs; (2) provide contact information for these schools so that other educators could call on them for assistance; and (3) assess commonalities in effective ungraded primary programs. Each case study of an ungraded primary program describes the philosophy and goals, and program background and implementation. Each program's practices regarding grouping and organization, curriculum and instruction, student assessment, and remediation and enrichment, are described. In addition, the teacher's role, the

Language: English

Published: Washington, D.C., Apr 1991

Abstract/Notes: This guidebook explains the concept of nongraded primary education and offers examples of successful programs. The first section describes the nongraded primary, which is characterized by developmentally appropriate curricula for primary age children, a heterogeneous community of learners as related to age and ability, support for continuous learning, a commitment to honoring the development of the whole child, and active student involvement. Proponents of the nongraded primary believe that it provides an opportunity for children to succeed rather than fail, enhances cooperation, and increases levels of community support. The second section outlines the changing roles of teachers, principals, central office staff, superintendents, local boards of education, parents, and school and community groups. Suggestions are offered for successful multiage classrooms, as well as teaching strategies for mixed-age grouping and steps for organizing the transition from a traditional to a nongraded

Language: English

Published: Arlington, Virginia: American Association of School Administrators, 1992

ISBN: 0-87652-184-7

Abstract/Notes: These three reports by national consultants assess first year progress in implementing state mandated educational reforms in Kentucky. First, "The Status of Primary School Reform in Kentucky and Its Implications," by James Rath, Lilian Katz, and John Fanning, reports on site visits to 14 public schools to assess progress in implementing the Kentucky Educational Reform Act (KERA) in primary schools. Findings with respect to the introduction of cooperative learning, developmentally appropriate practice, authentic assessment, parent involvement, and multi-age grouping practices are presented, along with administrators', parents', and teachers' views about KERA mandates. Next, "School-Based Decision Making: Observations on Progress," by Jane L. David, presents results of interviews with Kentucky education officials, school visits, and a review of newspaper articles and other documents. The report indicates that as of June 1992, almost 500 of Kentucky's 1,366 schools had councils for

Language: English

Published: Lexington, Kentucky, Jul 1992

Abstract/Notes: This research examines how a developmentally appropriate educational program in the early years can affect the development of gifted children. The qualitative research specifically focused on a multi-age, multi-ability setting with partial implementation of a whole language program, a systematic writing process and with some flexibility in grouping of students. Eleven teachers and approximately 260 students in an ungraded primary school were involved, with 3 first year and 30 second year students identified as gifted. The study found that gifted children followed a somewhat accelerated curriculum. Teachers felt that there were definite social benefits to integrating the gifted and nongifted students. The multi-age, multi-ability setting seemed to allow young students not identified as gifted to progress more rapidly than they might have in a traditional graded classroom, as they were exposed to higher level instruction. There was little evidence of the development of creative

Language: English

Abstract/Notes: A practicum was designed to increase the expertise of primary teachers in the creation of developmentally appropriate reading/writing curriculum for the multi-age, multi-ability, primary classroom through literacy training staff development sessions. The system of literacy training was constructed over a period of eight months with 34 primary teachers from three elementary schools. Staff development training sessions on early literacy and authentic assessment using the running record were developed. Pre/post questionnaires, change assessment scales for administrators, a literacy plan of action for local schools, running record scripts for assessment training, literacy lessons, and developmentally appropriate curricula were administered or developed. Analysis of the data revealed that after the staff development training on early literacy and authentic assessment, the primary teachers were able to create a developmentally appropriate curriculum for reading and writing in the

Language: English

Published: Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 1994