Language: English

ISSN: 1071-6246

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

Abstract/Notes: Parents’ supporting and using Montessori education at home have very important roles in the success of the education. The aim of the present study is to investigate parents’ perspectives of Montessori education at school and their support of Montessori education at home in International Montessori Schools in Pennsylvania in USA. The study is a correlational study. The universe of the study consists of parents whose children attend International Montessori Schools. In this regard, the present study investigate whether families’ perspectives and supports of Montessori education differ with respect to children’s age, gender, affinity to guardian; and parents’ gender, education level, the number of children they have, other children’s attendance to Montessori schools.

Language: English

DOI: 10.1080/09720073.2013.11891352

ISSN: 0972-0073

Abstract/Notes: This article examines the important data on pupils' perceptions of setting and mixed-ability classes in 45 comprehensive schools in England collected by Hallam and Ireson. It is argued that the finding that most pupils prefer setting to mixed-ability classes requires closer scrutiny and more careful interpretation. The conclusion that such preferences are because setting matches pupils' needs to their abilities is not compelling. Pupils' perceptions may be a product of transmitted ideology and wider cultural and organisational factors inside and outside school. Moreover, it is not clear what the implications of Hallam and Ireson's data on mixed-ability classes are for mixed-ability teaching. While, Hallam and Ireson propose more differentiated teaching and learning in mixed-ability classes, this article contends that their data could be interpreted to imply just the opposite. Finally, the implications of their data for the debate about the nature of comprehensive education in Britain are considered.

Language: English

DOI: 10.1080/01411920802044511

ISSN: 0141-1926, 1469-3518

Abstract/Notes: Investigated experiences in a multiage classroom, especially from the child's and parents' perspectives. Found that despite concerns, in the multiage classroom each child is allowed to progress at his or her own pace; individuality is valued; competition is lessened; and children have more time to develop relationships. (Author/SD)

Language: English

DOI: 10.1023/A:1009590724987

ISSN: 1082-3301, 1573-1707

Abstract/Notes: Montessori approach is mostly used in the kindergarten and elementary school, especially in Indonesia. To explore the approach in the higher level of education, the research took place in a private Montessori Junior High School in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. This study is intended to investigate the students’ perceptions on the implementation of Montessori approach to improve their vocabulary due to the fact that vocabulary is central to language learning. The research participants are students in grades seven and eight. There were three research instruments in this study, namely observations, questionnaire, and Focus Group Discussion (FGD). Three different research instruments were used to make sure that the data obtained was valid. The researchers crosschecked the results from each instrument to triangulate data consistency. Based on the findings, the students have positive perceptions on the implementation of Montessori approach for vocabulary learning. The implementation of Montessori approach promotes its unique learning activities, teacher’s personal guidance, and students’ learning awareness, internal motivation, and interest. The students perceived that the implementation of Montessori approach can improve their vocabulary.

Language: English

ISSN: 2503-4405

Abstract/Notes: This exploratory study examined the changing role of music education and the availability of musical experiences for students attending Montessori schools in the Midwestern United States. On a survey instrument designed by the researcher, Montessori school directors (N = 36) from eight states shared descriptions of the current role of music at their schools, the challenges faced when teaching music, individual perceptions of the impact of music on development, and beliefs about music as a valuable component of the curriculum. Data included responses to Likert-scale items and open-ended questions in an online survey. Analyses revealed that while school directors believed music could be used to engage students in learning or to build upon issues of multicultural understanding, opportunities for musical engagement were limited as a result of stringent budget cuts or time restrictions in the classroom. Implications are discussed in terms of including music in the Montessori classroom in ways that align with Maria Montessori’s pedagogies situated within an international context.

Language: English

DOI: 10.1177/0255761416659508

ISSN: 0255-7614, 1744-795X

Abstract/Notes: Mixed-age groups have been shown to be effective in classroom settings, but only a handful of studies have explored mixed-age grouping in play. This research is a case study of one New York public elementary school that places great value on recess and mixed-age groupings. The school has implemented Let Grow Play Club before school one day per week for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. We use child interviews, teacher interviews, and parent surveys to examine the perceptions of mixed-age, outdoor play provided in Play Club and the school more generally. Across the different types of data, stakeholders expressed their support for cross-age interactions in mixed-age groupings. This play was perceived as valuable for helping build friendships and developing social skills, as older children become role models to younger ones. As suggested by Vygotsky’s (1978) theories, children are learning from one another and enhancing their development through unstructured play.

Language: English

DOI: 10.1080/21594937.2021.1878774

ISSN: 2159-4937

Abstract/Notes: Early Childhood and Care Education (ECCE) has attracted global focus as governments of members of United Nations (UN) strive to meet target 4.2 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to ensure that all girls and boys have equal access to quality care and preprimary education by 2030. ECCE specialists and stakeholders in Nigeria are involved in various ways, including the organization of workshops for caregivers and teachers to meet the target. In this paper, we present the perceptions of trainees on their learning experiences in a 3-day workshop organized for caregivers/teachers, focusing on child-centered approaches/methodologies in early years. Using a descriptive survey design, all the trainees rated the extent they learnt the methodologies in a Likert-questionnaire. The results suggested that the trainees’ perceptions on the learning of all the methodologies were positive and were neither influenced by their teaching experiences nor their age. Furthermore, their positive perceptions were highest for the following approaches/methodologies: Using circle time; Developing children’s physical domain; Making children learn through play; and Developing children’s cognitive domain. Moreover, their perceptions were lowest for the following: Developing practical ideas for including communities/parents in the classroom; Principles of Montessori approach; Preparing assessment report in early years. Based on the result of this study, we concluded that the workshop enhanced the competence and confidence of the trainees to render care and teach in their schools and made recommendations for sustaining the gains.

Language: English

ISSN: 2782-7666

Abstract/Notes: Pretend play is common in childhood. Yet by age 4, children shown pretend and real activities in a book said they would choose to do the real activity over the pretend one. The present studies extended this research, examining children’s actual behavior in laboratory and school settings (Study 1, n = 32, M = 59.32 months; and Study 2, n = 16, M = 54.08 months), their choices about pretend roles (Study 3, n = 50, M = 59.48 months), and parents’ perspectives on what children prefer (Study 4, n = 83). As in prior work, 4-year-olds preferred real activities from a book; by 5, children also engaged more with real activities. In contrast, 3- to 4-year-olds preferred pretend roles and 5- to 6-year-olds were ambivalent. Parents correctly predicted children’s preference for real activities, but they did not predict that children’s reality preferences increase with age.

Language: English

DOI: 10.1080/15248372.2019.1709469

ISSN: 1524-8372