Abstract/Notes: As attrition rates of teachers remain a concern and the establishment of Montessori public schools increases in the United States, studying the needs satisfaction of Montessori public school teachers is a way to address issues of retainment. This qualitative methods study used the Self-Determination Theory framework to guide an analysis of factors that impact the levels of autonomy, relatedness, and competence within a public Montessori school teacher’s work environment. This study gave public Montessori teachers an opportunity to share their stories and provide context to the issue of work satisfaction and dissatisfaction. Findings indicated that there are several factors and experiences that impact a public Montessori school teacher’s experience with autonomy, relatedness, and competence in their daily work. Additional findings are that these factors impact Montessori teachers on different levels: personal, school, and external. In analyzing these factors and level of impact, administrators and school districts can make sure that the work environments of public Montessori teachers are conducive.

Language: English

Published: Lawrence, Kansas, 2023

Abstract/Notes: On the basis of a comprehensive best-evidence synthesis of the literature on the effects of multigrade and multi-age classes, Veenman (1995) concluded that there were no significant differences between multigrade and single-grade classes in cognitive or achievement effects. Subsequently, Mason and Burns (1996) challenged Veenman's conclusion, claiming that multigrade classes have at least a small negative effect on achievement, as well as having potential negative effects on teacher motivation. Multigrade classes are used extensively within Victorian primary schools, sometimes by choice but at other times as a result of the combined pressures from staff-student ratios and enrollment numbers at particular grade levels. The issue of their contribution to effective learning is thus a critical, practical one, as well as an interesting research question. Analysis of data from the Victorian Quality Schools Project, a large, comprehensive, three-year, longitudinal study of school and

Language: English

Language: English

Published: Dayton, Ohio, 1998

Abstract/Notes: In 2020, Montessori teachers and families across the world had to adjust as schools were closed because of the rapid onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Those working in the Montessori classroom, which typically favors a hands-on approach and limited use of technology, had to devise new ways to engage with students in the virtuallearning environment. How do teachers perceive that the transition to online learning affected their instruction? This descriptive case study examined the ways in which a school’s Lower and Upper Elementary Montessori teachers adjusted their instruction to meet student needs online, as well as the benefits and challenges that the teachers felt they and the students experienced as a result.

Language: English

DOI: 10.17161/jomr.v7i2.15469

ISSN: 2378-3923

Language: English

Published: Vermillion, South Dakota, 2008

Abstract/Notes: The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative research project was to study how individual student conferencing could impact student’s perceptions of individualized goal attainment. The study took place in a public Montessori elementary school in a suburban Midwestern city. In total, twenty students in grades four through six participated in the study; students ranged in age from nine to twelve years old. Over the course of the study, data was collected through two surveys and individual student conferences in which students were asked to set academic as well as work habit goals. These goals were intended to be worked on throughout a twelve day work cycle, until the students’ next individual conference with the teacher. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected through the pre and post study surveys as well as the individual student conferences. The results of this data show that a majority of students in the study report that individual student conferences help them achieve their goals. This study also examined another question regarding how these conferences can inform teaching practices as the teacher gains knowledge and insight throughout the process of surveying and conferencing with students.

Language: English

Published: River Falls, Wisconsin, 2022

Language: English

Abstract/Notes: The linguistic environment of preschools in South Africa is considerably under-researched. In this study, research was undertaken to discover how South African Montessori preschool teachers approach the issue of multilingualism in their classrooms and their perceptions of the value of speaking multiple languages. Teachers working in Montessori schools in Cape Town were interviewed about their experiences and ideologies of multilingualism in the classroom. Data was analysed through a Bakhtinian lens to uncover the tensions surrounding these beliefs and experiences of South African multilingualism. It was found that although many teachers supported the idea of multilingualism, they faced significant practical and administrative barriers to its implementation in the classroom. Furthermore, it was notable that much of the work to teach or introduce additional language in the preschool space was performed by underpaid, undertrained, and under-valued non-teaching staff, such as cleaning staff and classroom assistants.

Language: English

Published: Stellenbosch, South Africa, 2023

Abstract/Notes: This research is entitled English Language Teaching through Montessori Approach: Teachers’ Perceptions. This research aimed at exploring teachers’ perceptions towards the Montessori approach to teaching of English. This study adopted narrative inquiry as a design. Five teachers from five different Montessori schools in Kathmandu were chosen purposively for this study. The study showed that Montessori approach is a learner centered approach through which students' involvement can be increased. Montessori approach comprehends the learning and it was found that Montessori method was the most preferred method of teaching English. This approach also helps to understand the psychology of children so that learning can happen in the classroom. This approach helps to develop creativity in students because of the environment of the classroom created by Montessori teachers. Likewise, this approach is material based which enhances the learning and retention. This thesis consists of five chapters. The first chapter deals with the introduction part including the background of the study, statements of the problem, objectives of the study, research questions, relevance of the study, delimitation of the study, and operational definitions of the key terms respectively. The second chapter consists of a literature review both theoretical and empirical, and its implications. In addition, it also includes the conceptual framework. The third chapter deals with a methodology such as research design, method of the study, population, sampling strategy, research tools, source of data, and data collection procedure as well as ethical considerations. Similarly, the fourth chapter deals with analysis and interpretation of the data, and findings, and results. Finally, the fifth chapter incorporates a conclusion and recommendations based on the study which is related to policy, practice, and further research. Likewise, the references and appendices are also included for the validation of the research at the end of the study.

Language: English

Published: Kirtipur, Nepal, 2023

Abstract/Notes: This piece of practitioner research explored parents’ perceptions of Montessori education in the early years in the UK. Ten qualitative interviews were conducted online using Microsoft Teams and OneNote with parents whose children were aged between 2 and 5 years old (N = 10). Braun and Clarke's Reflexive Thematic Analysis was used to identify three themes: Positive attitudes towards the influence of Montessori on holistic development; Shared understanding of the Montessori ethos, and Influence of parents’ educational experiences on Montessori school choice. Parents valued Montessori's emphasis on independence and adapted their parenting style accordingly. However, financial constraints and limited availability of Montessori schools for primary and secondary education were identified as challenges. The study's limitations included recruitment challenges and a lengthy data analysis process. Future research could investigate how Montessori education supports children with special needs or in mathematical areas of learning.

Language: English

DOI: 10.1080/03004279.2024.2303234

ISSN: 0300-4279