Language: English

Published: Cincinnati, Ohio, 1977

Abstract/Notes: This report summarizes research literature on multiage classrooms, explaining how they operate, and describes a study of a low-performing, predominantly Native American school district which adopted multiage classrooms as its primary reform strategy. District teachers completed surveys about: planning; collaboration; student groupings and interactions; assessment; planning resources; preparedness; faculty development; perceptions about the effects of multiage classrooms and looping on student learning; opinions on advantages and disadvantages of multiage classrooms and looping; and suggestions for improving instruction and learning. Researchers observed 37 classrooms and interviewed principals and district administrators. They also collected data from a comparison school in a neighboring district that had successful multiage grouping. Teachers were dissatisfied with how multiage classrooms were mandated by district administrators. The mandate created camps of teachers divided over

Language: English

Published: Washington, D.C., Dec 2000

Language: English

Published: Fresno, California, 2005

Abstract/Notes: The primary aim of this research is to assess the existing situation of instructional material in various public and private early childhood development centres of Lekhnath Municipality, Nepal. The sample was selected on the basis of different stratified random sampling comprised of 2 primaries, 2 lower secondary, 4 higher secondary and two fully community managed schools with the total of 27 schools around Lekhnath, whose school grade start with pre education were included of 10 sampled pre-primary schools. Data, observation by researcher, semi-structured questionnaire were obtained from of early childhood education program and formal discussion with parents comprises (N=30+10+10) additional interview data were obtained from 10 sample schools teachers/facilitators 10 head master were included. Direct observation was based on national educational and Montessori guidance were designing and implementing their programs. The study revealed that majority of community managed ECDs have (81.2%) instructional materials available with them; however, there is the increase in enrolment in private primary schools with English medium (7.3%). The enrolments in private ECDs are almost double as compared Governmental funded school in the year 2001-2012. Results indicated that there were inadequate educational materials in early childhood centres in public managed schools (primary, secondary and high) and low community participation in materials management. There has been little focus on the quality of early school management of learning materials. To improve program quality, more facilities, more time, and institutional recognition of their program’s value, financial support, and professional development opportunities were compulsory full-day play with learning, day snacks, government and local community should provide the more funds to manage child friendly pre-kindergarten can only meet holistic management of early child of Nepal.

Language: English

ISSN: 2392-442X

Language: English

Published: Memphis, Tennessee, 1977

Abstract/Notes: The purpose of this study was to implement a transition-to-school program and evaluate its impact on parent involvement and teacher satisfaction. This action research study was conducted in a toddler and early childhood program at a Montessori school. This study involved teachers, administrators and parents. Prior to implementation of the transition-to-school program, a transition focus group was convened among teachers and administrators. In addition, data from previous years on parent attendance and involvement were gathered to measure any changes following implementation. The transition-to-school program was developed from feedback offered by teachers and administrators, and field research. After the transition to school program was constructed, implementation procedures were introduced to administrators, teachers and parents. Following implementation, evaluative surveys were administered to assess the impact of the program. The results of the research demonstrated that teachers, administrators and parents viewed the program favorably. The results show that the transition to school program positively impacted parent involvement and teacher satisfaction.

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2013

Abstract/Notes: This study investigates the efficacy of Conscious Discipline’s teaching strategies to enrich social-emotional learning and establish a positive classroom climate in an early childhood Montessori classroom. Conscious Discipline is a written program, of instructional and behavioral strategies created by Dr. Becky Bailey (2011). The question throughout this research project was “Does teaching Conscious Discipline strategies enhance social-emotional learning in preschool aged children?” The study was conducted in a Montessori classroom, the participants being both boys and girls ranging in age from 3 to 4 years. For six weeks, Conscious Discipline strategies were being implemented on a day-to-day basis, when dealing with real-life incidents in the classroom, reading books purchased through Conscious Discipline and establishing a Safe Place. During this sixweek study data was gathered through observations, a pre-survey, and a standardized assessment, and analyzed to document the effects of Conscious Discipline. The data collected demonstrated an increase in social-emotional learning, an increase in the joy in teaching, a positive classroom climate, a decrease in aggressive acts, and an increase in student respect and responsibility in a social community.

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2014

Language: English

Published: Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1970

Abstract/Notes: Each year children enter into group childcare settings. This is both a necessity for working parents and can be a great introduction to their first group education program. Along with the positive aspects of group care come some negatives. Toddlers show signs of stress such as crying at drop off that can last from a moment to many hours during the day. Toddlers can be very social but must learn how to navigate these social interactions by sharing, taking turns, waiting for materials to become available, and receiving less individual attention from a single caregiver. In this Action Research Project I introduce a curriculum of yoga to toddlers in a Montessori setting as a means of reducing stress. This curriculum intends to teach children to calm themselves through relaxation, breathing, and focus on an activity of interest. In addition, I show that the yoga can increase focus and attention through extended periods of work time. Primary data sources include the use of direct observation to record behaviors pre-, during and post- yoga curriculum. These observations include the recording of specific behaviors that indicate a stressful situation as well as length of time it takes for a child to recover from such behaviors. Also recorded were lengths of time children could hold their focus working on a specific material. Findings show yoga was an effective method of teaching children to self-soothe, using breathing techniques to calm themselves. In addition, focus and concentration increased over the period of time yoga was introduced during the morning routine.

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2014

Abstract/Notes: The purpose of this action research project was to determine if there would be improved development of empathy in elementary students as a result of involvement in the Toddler Mentor Program. The study took place in a 6-9 year Montessori Elementary Classroom. There were eight participants, which were first and second year students in the classroom. The age range was 6-7 years old. The elementary students spent twenty minutes as a mentor in the Toddler classroom once a week. Data was collected by teacher observation pre, during and post project in three different environments, the elementary classroom, the toddler classroom and recess. The students were interviewed following all visits of the toddler classroom and also participated in group discussions. The results showed an increase in empathetic behaviors over the time as a whole group. Individually, the girls displayed consistent empathy in the toddler classroom and the boys showed the most improvement over time. In conclusion, the Toddler Mentor Program provided the students the opportunity to focus on social-emotional skills such as being helpful, kind, respectful, and acknowledging other’s feelings. In order to identify long-term effects outside the classroom more research is recommended.

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2015