Language: English

ISSN: 1071-6246

Abstract/Notes: Designers of interactive toys face many challenges when integrating digital technologies into the educational manipulatives they design. Drawing on the distinctive approaches of Friedrich Froebel and Maria Montessori – philosophers of education and pioneering toy designers – this paper proposes to qualify and distinguish between their unique design principles as manifested in traditional as well as digital learning objects and educational manipulatives. Application of these core design principles will enable modern day toy designers, particularly those operating in the interactive domain, to meet their educational objectives and maximise the learning potential in children|s interactive learning experiences.

Language: English

DOI: 10.1504/IJART.2010.030497

ISSN: 1754-8853, 1754-8861

Abstract/Notes: Esta investigación parte del supuesto que girar la mirada hacia el diseño de ambientes como dispositivo para potenciar el juego en la primera infancia, implica un movimiento en la comprensión de las prácticas docentes que podría llevar a cuestionarse, entre otros: el rol del maestro, las características en el desarrollo de los niños y las niñas, su necesidad de actividad libre y autónoma y su juego dentro de ambientes diseñados para tal fin. Este estudiocuyo objetivo fuepromover y estudiar la reflexión sobre el diseño de ambientes para el juego, desde la práctica de un grupo de profesores; se fundamenta en una visión de la educación cuyo fin específico es potenciar el desarrollo infantil. Se inspira en algunos autores representativos en el campo de estudio, como Montessori, Decroly, más recientemente, Malajovich, Glanzer, Abad, Hoyuelos, Schön, entre otros. El marco metodológico escogido es la investigación-acción desarrollando los ciclos de planeación, acción, observación, reflexión, con el grupo de docentes involucrados en el trabajo. El resultado más destacado de esta investigación fuehacer visible el saber que surge a partir de la reflexión de la propia experiencia, en torno al diseño de ambientes para el juego. Además de lo anterior contribuyó a que los maestros se sintieran reconocidos y valorados en su quehacer docente y permitió contemplar institucionalmente tiempos y espacios para el encuentro y la reflexión del colectivo de maestras. / This research focuses on the design of environments as a device to enhance the game in early childhood which implies a movement to the understanding of teaching practices that could lead to question, among other matters: the teachers’ role, the features of children’s development, the need for free and independent activity of play environments designed for that purpose. This study aims to promote reflection and study on the design of environments for play, from the practice of a group of teachers. It is based on a vision of education whose specific purpose is to promote child’s development, having as activities of the early childhood, game, art, literature and exploration of the environment, as well as the possibilities of expression, communication, interaction and approach to the culture of early childhood. It draws on some important authors in the field of study, such as Montessori, Decroly, Garvey and more recently, Malajovich, Glanzer, Abad, Hoyuelos, Schön, among others. The methodological framework chosen is the action research, developing cycles of planning, action, observation, and reflection, with the group of teachers involved in the work. The most outstanding result of this research was to make visible the knowledge that comes from the reflection of their own experience about the design of environments for play. Besides, the teachers felt recognized and valued in their teaching work. After that the group of teachers was granted with time and space for meetings and reflection activities.

Language: Spanish

ISSN: 2255-0666

Abstract/Notes: Iteration during the design process is an essential element. Engineers optimize their design by iteration. Research on iteration in Primary Design Education is however scarce; possibly teachers believe they do not have enough time for iteration in daily classroom practices. Spontaneous playing behavior of children indicates that iteration fits in a natural way of learning. To demonstrate the importance of iteration for the design performance and understand what occurs in an optimized situation a study was conducted in a Dutch Montessori school. Four conditions were chosen to shape the design assignment; iteration, freedom of choice, collaboration and presentation. The choice for these conditions was inspired by the work of Montessori, and because of the positive effects on design performance during previous design and technology projects. This led to a concrete assignment, suitable for 6–8 years old, “Fold a piece of aluminum foil so it can hold the weight of marbles when it lies on the water. The more marbles it can hold the better.” Self correction was possible as the challenge lays in the ease to improve countable results. Clear results of iteration could be determined; an increasing sense of control and detailed insight in what to do for maximum results were found amongst the pupils. Additional literature about capability development and metacognition confirmed the value of the four conditions in relation to the observed results.

Language: English

DOI: 10.1007/s10798-014-9271-2

ISSN: 1573-1804

Language: English

Published: Porto, Portugal: International Academic Forum (IAFOR), 2022

Pages: 75-88

DOI: 10.22492/issn.2758-0989.2022.6

Abstract/Notes: The goal of this project is to reimagine learning spaces by combining education and architecture principles and a hint of imagination. This is done through designing a school in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington D.C. for children aged 3-12. The design integrates Montessori, Waldorf, and Reggio principles with behavioral and neuroscientific insights. Additionally, the imaginative essence of "Alice in Wonderland" brings a whimsical dimension, adding an enchanting layer to the architectural narrative. The design of the school considers how space impacts cognition and creativity, in addition to functional aspects. Highlighting the bond between architecture and neuroscience, the design emphasizes how the built environment shapes children's cognition and emotions. Sensory experiences, architectural elements, and nature integration shape the ambiance, significantly influencing children's cognitive development. Through a blend of educational philosophies, neuroscience findings, and the timeless allure of Wonderland, it aims to sculpt an environment that encourages curiosity, creativity, and profound world connection in children.

Language: English

Published: Blacksburg, Virginia, 2023

Abstract/Notes: In this study, systems thinking and codesign principles are applied together to develop a process framework to identify leverage points for an intervention in a new Montessori school. We show how a series of codesign workshops with children, parents, teachers, and management generated insights into the importance of collaboratively codesigning with stakeholders while applying Soft Systems Methodology (SSM). This approach demonstrates the advantages of incorporating diverse perspectives and fostering group coaction. These findings add to the limited literature on the practical applications of process-focused SSM, as they have informed the development of a step-by-step plan for forthcoming data collection sessions at the school, which will be organized as a Summer Research Camp. The future Summer Research Camp project will focus on continuing to work with the stakeholders to codesign interventions in the system, by following the SSM cycle aimed at gaining an understanding of the systemic factors affecting the school.

Language: English

Published: Milan, Italy: International Association of Societies of Design Research, 2023

DOI: 10.21606/iasdr.2023.748

Language: English

Published: New York, New York: American Montessori Society, 2023

ISBN: 978-1-66789-269-6

Abstract/Notes: Kindergarten, as an important carrier for children's transition from family to society, is a place for the development and practice of preschool education, and plays a role that cannot be ignored in today's preschool education. Therefore, it is of great practical significance to implement the achievements of contemporary excellent early childhood education concepts into the architectural design of kindergartens. In recent years, Montessori's educational philosophy has attracted widespread attention in China. The Montessori teaching method is based on early childhood education, early childhood psychology, physiology, and other aspects. Its core theory coincides with the domestic concept of quality education, and has become a key topic of preschool education in the Ministry of Education. The purpose of this paper is to effectively integrate Montessori education concepts with kindergarten design and provide theoretical support for kindergarten design. Montessori's educational philosophy specifically elaborates on the natural development concept, sensitive period education, and sensory education of young children. These concepts are embodied in the "environmental education" aspect of kindergarten architectural design. By creating indoor and outdoor environments suitable for children's development, arranging rich functional spaces, and designing reasonable scales, colors, and shapes, children can develop freely in a "prepared environment".

Language: English

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/jhass.2023.08.010

ISSN: 2576-0556, 2576-0548

Abstract/Notes: Environmental concerns continue to increase daily, leaving many wondering what they might do to minimize their impact on the planet. As a result, it is critical to educate the general public, particularly secondary school students, about embracing more sustainable practices. As these students will become our society's future designers and consumers, it is crucial to equip them with the necessary tools and knowledge to foster a more responsible future for our environment and climate. This starts with smart, responsible design. As the Ellen MacArthur Foundation says, “Waste and pollution does not exist by accident, it is the result of design decisions” (2021). To adequately equip our future decision-makers, it is crucial to educate them on the importance of Circular Design (CD), a way of designing products that fit into the Circular Economy (CE). The CE is an environmentally sustainable “system of closed loops, where nothing becomes waste, and everything has value” (Foundation, 2021). However, CD is rarely integrated into the curricula of public schools, with sustainable education predominantly offered within Montessori environments or at the university level. This usually means that public school students are left out of this important equation. There is little evidence to support that CD is currently widely taught in many schooling environments. This research study aims to understand how we might best educate Gen Z public school students on the foundations of CD. Additionally, it seeks to determine whether an elevated level of content regarding CD can influence these students to become more conscientious about their role in the world and how they can apply these practices to their daily lives. Through three phases of applied research methods, this study explores how we might dress this gap. The first phase relies on a literature review to create CD learning tools for students and teachers, which were then refined with Montessori educators in phase two through phenomenological research. Finally, in phase three, these tools were tested with public school students through action research in a hands-on learning workshop. Phase three was crucial, as it reflects the public student voice and led to the identification of how these tools and the general foundations of CD were perceived. Students were required to complete a post-workshop survey, which was analyzed and evaluated to understand how much CD content these students retained. The ultimate goal of this research was to create a short-form CD curriculum for Gen Z secondary school students, heightening their awareness of the importance of living and consuming more responsibly as they transition into independent decision-making roles and, in some cases, future designers. It is hoped that this research contributes to the ongoing discourse on CD education and its impact on sustainable design’s future. The young people of today hold a significant influence on tomorrow. As an academic community, we must engage in conversations about this topic and recognize Gen Z's pivotal role in shaping a sustainable, circular future. The future is circular. The future is now.

Language: English

Published: Cincinnati, Ohio, 2023