Language: English

Abstract/Notes: Children have an innate sense of curiosity about nature. “When children come in contact with nature, they reveal their strength” (Montessori, 1967, pg. 69) and therefore, outdoor education can be a useful learning tool for students. Whether being outdoors or bringing the nature-based activities inside, children have the opportunity to work with all of their senses. A growing number of schools around the United States have begun adding outdoor learning to their curriculum (Lieberman & Hoody, 1998) to bring a positive outcome to students’ behavior. Outdoor learning provides another environment that children can thrive in and hopefully benefit from. As many students struggle with learning confined to an indoor learning environment, like most classrooms, changing the environment offers students a uniquely rich context to frame student learning and provides them with movement, stimulation and grabs their attention so they can focus better (Bjorge, Hannah, Rekstad and Pauly, 2017). “If students are more focused, it is less likely for them to cause disruptive behaviors” (Bjorge, et. al, p. 4). This positive change in behavior is beneficial for everyone including students, teachers, and parents. By incorporating outdoor learning regularly in a classroom, children are given the freedom to move and explore on a sensorial level that may promote positive learning abilities. Using the outdoor environment as a classroom setting can have an impact on children who are not successful in an indoor classroom setting. According to existing research, (Bjorge, et. al, 2017; James, J.K. and Williams, T., 2017; Lieberman & Hoody, 1998) student motivation and concentration behaviors, as well as overall well-being, can be greatly impacted and improved through outdoor learning opportunities.

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2019

Abstract/Notes: This study explores how gardening affects students’ focus and attention in a primary Montessori classroom. Over the course of a four-week intervention, the teacher-researcher provided eleven students with mini-gardening lessons, followed by time to use purposeful movement in the garden. When students returned to the classroom to assume their Montessori work activities, the researcher collected data by recording the time it took the students to get on task, whether or not students were focused, and which unfocused behaviors were exhibited. A pre-and post-attitude scale was completed by the students to determine prior experiences and attitudes towards gardening. The study revealed that during the intervention, time to get on task decreased and ability to focus increased. Students who were habitually inattentive and not focused continued this pattern, but did show improvement over the life of the study. Further research is needed to support these findings; post-intervention data could be collected to determine long-term impacts, and a higher number of students should be involved in the intervention for generalization purposes.

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2018

Abstract/Notes: O diálogo entre arquitetura e pedagogia intensificou-se nota velmentenas últimas décadas, contudo, no âmbito italiano os exemplos de escolas que fogem aos rígidos modelos tradicionais representa mainda casos isolados. Esta dissertação pretende aprofundar o processo de desenho de projeto para uma Escola Primária pública situada em Itália, em Crespano del Grappa na região de Vêneto, enquadrada no Programa Nacional Scuole Innovative que, através do lançamento de um concursopara 51 novas escolas, representa uma tentativa de inovação no panorama escolar italiano. Apoiado na pedagogia Montessori, ou, mais especificamente, centrando-se na possibilidade de relação entre as suas pioneiras práticas educativas e o desenvolvimento de um ambiente de ensino que possa revelar-se realmente estimulante à aprendizagem, opresente projeto tenta conjugar todas estas preocupações, com osentido do lugar e da escola entendida como equipamento público de referência para a comunidade. [The dialogue between architecture and pedagogy has intensified considerably in the last decades; however, in the Italian context, examples of schools that try to flee the rigid traditional models still represent isolated instances. This dissertation intends to deepen the process of designing a Public Primary School located in Italy, in Crespano del Grappa, in the Veneto region, as part of the national program Scuole Innovative which, through the launch of a competition for the construction of 51 new schools, embodies an attempt to innovate in the Italian school scenery. Based on the Montessori pedagogy or, more specifically, focusing on the possible relationship between its pioneering educational practices and the development of an educational environment, that could be really stimulating to learning, the present project tries to combine all these concerns, with the sense of the place, the landscape and the school as a public reference equipment for the whole community.]

Language: Portuguese

Published: Porto, Portugal, 2018

Abstract/Notes: This paper examines the effects of teacher use of an online record-keeping system on teacher self-efficacy and student self-regulation behavior. Four teachers and thirty-four students between the ages of three and six years old participated in this seven-week study in one of the few Montessori schools in a Latin American capital city. Pre- and post-study data collection methods included a teacher self-efficacy questionnaire and small group discussion, as well as use of the Head-to-Toe Test, a means of measuring children’s self-regulation behavior. For seven weeks, teachers used the program Transparent Classroom to record lessons, inform their lesson presentations, and track overall student progress. Through weekly classroom observations, child behaviors hindering and encouraging normalization were tracked with a tally sheet. Data showed increases in both teacher self-efficacy and student self-regulation, especially in children with the lowest pre-study scores, who saw dramatic gains. These results show the use of a record-keeping system may be a means of increasing achievement and satisfaction in both students and teachers.

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2018

Abstract/Notes: This action research studied the effect of instructing and modeling grace and courtesy lessons on the normalization of a primary Montessori classroom. The study was conducted at a private, in-home Montessori classroom serving children three to six years of age. Nine students received daily presentations of grace and courtesy lessons over four weeks totaling twenty lessons in all. Sources of data included student-teacher conferencing, tally sheets, behavioral self-assessments, and teacher journaling. Instructing and modeling grace and courtesy lessons resulted in an increase in desired behaviors, a more positive classroom environment, and additional knowledge gained on this subject. Throughout this study, students began showing signs of normalization and required less assistance from the teacher. The lessons of grace and courtesy can positively impact the learning environment and lead to the normalization of a Montessori primary classroom.

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2018

Abstract/Notes: This study investigated how children responded to participating in twenty minutes of nature-based activities that involved direct contact with dirt. The study took place in a Primary Montessori school with 27 children ages 3 to 6 years. The research was conducted over a six-week period in which a pre-assessment was conducted in the first week, followed by four weeks that consisted of presenting 20 minute Nature Work lessons on a daily basis. Once children were shown how to use the materials, data was collected regarding their participation and independent use of the materials. In addition, daily journaling by the researcher was completed to document self-reflection of children's responses to Nature Work. During the sixth week, a post-assessment was conducted to indicate whether the Nature Work intervention influenced the children's interest in connecting and engaging more deeply with nature. Results of the research suggest that the children's participation increased over the duration of the intervention. However, the perceived interest/enjoyment decreased slightly, according to the responses to the Pre- /Post-Assessment questions. The children remained engaged and interested in participating in the Nature Work options: Bulb Planting, Seedling boxes, Transplanting Plants and Worm Composting. A longer study is recommended to increase opportunity for participation in the Nature Work intervention and increase data collection.

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2018

Abstract/Notes: This research sought to determine the effect of implementing an anti-bias curriculum on the selfidentity of children in a private primary Montessori classroom. Twenty-two students aged three to six from a highly concentrated urban community in a northeastern coastal city participated in the study. Pre and post discussion questions, a running log of personal observations, visible child-produced artifacts, and an attribute checklists were the four tools used in this study. These tools determined the effect of the anti-bias work on each child’s ability to self-identify. The interactions and artifacts produced specific and traceable data on children’s thoughts and perceptions before and during the implementation of anti-bias work. Data analysis concluded that the study impacted the student’s ability to self-identify positively. To further investigate this work, I will continue to present anti-bias materials, engage in discussions, and provide diverse works for all children to explore in the inclusive environment.

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2017

Abstract/Notes: The purpose of this research was to optimize the development of the will, a level of self-regulation, and cognitive function of primary-aged children through the habitual use of designated meditative activities. Past research and studies relating to meditation, neuroscience, the sensory needs of children and human development have determined that age-appropriate meditation exercises with preschool children would foster the development of self-regulation (Schwatz, 2011; Semple, Lee & Rosa, Miller, 2009; Thompson & Raisor, 2013; Zelazo & Lyons 2011). This four week study integrated tangible meditation tools and outlets: a yoga mat, bolster, a booklet with pictures of four restorative yoga poses, a wood hand-massaging ball, noise-cancelling headphones and a meditation space with a floor cushion. It involved 28 children between the ages of three and six-years-old in a private Montessori school in Minnesota. Data collection included a daily observation chart, behavioral scale, tally and end of study parent feedback/observations. Results showed the meditative activities did not increase the children’s self-regulated behavior. However, it did indicate any "work" done with intention could be considered a meditative activity that does not necessarily consist of yoga or massage. Suggestions for further research include an extended study period that could expand to providing meditative opportunities for infants and toddlers and interviewing adults who were exposed to meditative activities as a primary-aged child, infant or toddler. Following up with adults who were provided the opportunity to engage in meditative activities as a child may solidify whether exposure to meditative activities at an early age would help individuals achieve an optimal development of self-regulation and will through habitual use of meditative activities.

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2016

Abstract/Notes: The purpose of this research was to find out if implementing technology that parallels the Montessori language sequence would increase student engagement with literacy work. Would an increase in student interest facilitate the potential for them to meet the expected goals for alphabetic knowledge? This study was conducted in a primary Montessori classroom consisting of four year-old students identified as being “at risk” for school readiness. Prior to beginning the project, observations of student work with the language materials was conducted to create a log of lessons completed by each student. An assessment of student knowledge of upper and lower case letter names and sounds was also completed. Daily activities to increase phonological awareness were implemented by utilizing the classroom Smart Board and iPad over a six week period. Post assessments revealed an increase in language lessons completed each day and an increase in knowledge of letter names and sounds by most students.

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2016