Abstract/Notes: Although Montessori's name is almost universally known in education circles today, and there are countless nursery schools throughout the world using the "Montessori Method," the real core of her thinking has remained largely misunderstood. Most people regard the method as a system for the education of very young children. And most who have some direct experience of it, either as parent or teacher, would regard it as involving a certain set of procedures and specialized educational materials with clear and elaborate instructions for their use. However, the essence of Montessori's philosophy of education is in reality far broader than this, and contains a powerful message for educators everywhere. What is less well-known about Montessori's work is that she began by establishing the effectiveness of her approach at the pre-elementary level, but also strongly encouraged the extension of her method to the higher levels of education. Wentworth's purpose in writing this book is to elucidate this vital aspect of Maria Montessori's life's work and to show how it applies to real-life teaching situations. She believed that by transforming the process of children's education she could help to transform the attitudes of the adults they will later become, and so those of society and the world at large--a message she promoted as vitally relevant to the future of humankind as a whole.

Language: English

Published: New York, New York: Routledge, 1999

Edition: 1st

ISBN: 978-1-4106-0440-8

Language: English

Published: New York, New York: American Montessori Society, n.d.

Language: English

Published: Madras, India: Kalakshetra, [1966]

Edition: [2. Kalakshetra ed.]

Abstract/Notes: Describes how the Hershey Montessori Farm School in Huntsburg, Ohio, developed an advanced biology course, which begins with an experience-based, task-oriented approach within different biomes of the surrounding environs while incorporating high school content and scientific method. Concludes that integrating place-based and contextual inquiries promotes a concept of land stewardship while being relevant and engaging to students' lives. (Author/KB)

Language: English

ISSN: 1522-9734

Abstract/Notes: As research today is often required to validate innovative aspects of education, David Sobel's analysis of the SEER report makes quantitative sense of nature education and its ability to improve learning. Test scores increase, attendance surges, language arts assessments show richer self-expression, speaking skills gain a community cause, math engagement flourishes, and students do science and not just study science. Environmental education combined with service learning takes the school into a higher purpose and creates rich learning incentives.

Language: English

ISSN: 1522-9734

Abstract/Notes: These three reports by national consultants assess first year progress in implementing state mandated educational reforms in Kentucky. First, "The Status of Primary School Reform in Kentucky and Its Implications," by James Rath, Lilian Katz, and John Fanning, reports on site visits to 14 public schools to assess progress in implementing the Kentucky Educational Reform Act (KERA) in primary schools. Findings with respect to the introduction of cooperative learning, developmentally appropriate practice, authentic assessment, parent involvement, and multi-age grouping practices are presented, along with administrators', parents', and teachers' views about KERA mandates. Next, "School-Based Decision Making: Observations on Progress," by Jane L. David, presents results of interviews with Kentucky education officials, school visits, and a review of newspaper articles and other documents. The report indicates that as of June 1992, almost 500 of Kentucky's 1,366 schools had councils for

Language: English

Published: Lexington, Kentucky, Jul 1992

Abstract/Notes: The article introduces the principles of Montessori education while it more concretely focuses on the principle of free choice. The authors present partial results of a quantitative research in which the questionnaire was used as the main research method. Its items were focused on the principle of free choice and on the perception of freedom itself. The questionnaire was presented to teachers of Montessori kindergartens and to the parents whose children attend this kindergarten. The results were analysed after a deep study of literature which deals with the philosophy of freedom and Montessori education. The aim of the research was to find out whether the respondents perceive the difference between the principle of free choice and freedom in general. Additionally, the authors wanted to find out if the perception of this field is the same between the teachers and the parents, or if there are differences between those two groups; and if the parents whose children attend this kindergarten are aware of the application of the principle of free choice. The research bases a deeper research of the principle of free choice. The next aim is to examine how is the principle of free choice applied by children of the stated Montessori kindergarten via the method of observation, while the authors also want to focus on the children who switch from Montessori kindergarten to a common basic school.

Language: English

Published: Seville, Spain: International Academy of Technology, Education and Development (IATED), 2018

Pages: 5801-5805

DOI: 10.21125/iceri.2018.2364

ISBN: 978-84-09-05948-5

Abstract/Notes: This research explored how an expanded and sustained education about food within the primary school curriculum in the Republic of Ireland could be achieved. A constructivist ontology underpinned the project, with multiple theoretical frameworks related to constructivist learning and building agency, informing the study. A multi-method action research methodology was used, providing practical solutions through action, reflection, practice and theory. A narrative review of the literature and existing policy preceded three sections of fieldwork. A scoping consultation with key stakeholders was followed by the development and piloting of a food education programme entitled the Global Citizenship Food and Biodiversity Theme in eight primary schools over two years, in conjunction with Green-Schools. The third section of fieldwork verified and expanded the results within a research findings feedback workshop which included academics working in education, principals, teachers, trainee teachers, and two staff members from the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment. The scoping consultation with key stakeholders highlighted a desire for a changed approach to food education in Irish primary schools. The key findings indicated that schools are in a unique position to influence and promote food education, but that an expanded approach to the current curriculum’s principal focus on health and nutrition was required. The term ‘circular food education’ was coined to describe the approach to food education which was consequently developed. Circular food education encompasses experiential learning, sustainability and pleasure. It is grounded in theory and is an educational solution to tackling an array of social issues: building knowledge about climate change, biodiversity loss, and food waste, teaching practical food skills, as well as instilling the potential for children to become active citizens. The development and piloting of the Global Citizenship Food and Biodiversity Theme illustrated how educational approaches that stem from constructivism could be put into practice. This theme included hands-on classes as well as building agency to think critically through the use of collaborative and social learning methods. Amartya Sen’s capability approach was used as a theoretical framework to evaluate data generated from the pilot. The research findings feedback workshop indicated that increased circular food education would require support from the whole-school, a change in approach by government as well as teacher training to address confidence and agency, and the provision of suitable facilities. One of the outputs from the research is the Global Citizenship Food and Biodiversity Theme programme which is being implemented incrementally in schools on a nation-wide basis, with 120 locations to date. A limitation of the Global Citizenship Food and Biodiversity Theme is the two-year cycle of the Green-Schools flag system. The thesis recommends a systemic policy change to food education in Irish primary schools. An embedded full-time approach within the primary curriculum would provide structure and scaffolding but requires a collaborative approach from all stakeholders. Until then, an increase in teacher training and developing teacher agency would be a suitable first step to increased food education in Irish primary school classrooms. Circular food education offers a model, which helps provide students with the ability to lead a life in which both they, and the natural world, could flourish.

Language: English

Published: Dublin, Ireland, 2023

Abstract/Notes: Project PACT (Partnerships, Action, & Collaboration, Together) (a pseudonym) is a multi-stakeholder partnership that reflects multiple goals, commitments, and priorities for early childhood education. PACT was informed by the literature on community-based research (CBR) and a commitment by partners to strengthen P–3 education where stakeholder assets contributed to reciprocal learning experiences in early childhood education. PACT stakeholders transformed two early childhood education classrooms into Montessori classrooms within a district public school. As one in a series of investigations, this research specifically examined partner commitments to a unique collaboration, the emergence of roles and responsibilities over time, and manifestations of innovation within a traditional public school setting. Data illustrate how stakeholders established a collaboration that allowed for flexibility, perspective-taking, and the opportunity to work together to reconsider and strengthen P–3 education through a model typically reserved for children of affluence. Beyond the operational demands of a startup initiative, findings also reflect the power of a collective through flexibility and a stance that values the assets of a community. The impact of this work demonstrates the potential to successfully impact quality education in early childhood settings through equity and opportunity.

Language: English

DOI: 10.54656/PPYY7979

ISSN: 1944-1207

Abstract/Notes: In this study, it was aimed to determine the effect of STEM activities prepared on the basis of the Montessori education approach philosophy on pre-school teacher candidates' attitudes towards science and science teaching. Mixed method was used in the study. The sample group consists of 50 pre-school teacher candidates in total. In the study, a single group pre-test post-test pattern was created to collect quantitative data. The study lasted 14 weeks in total. In the study, "Science Attitude Scale" and "Science Attitude Scale" were used as quantitative data collection tools. In order to collect the qualitative data of the study, the "semi-structured interview form" prepared by the researcher based on the items of the scales used in quantitative terms was used. The quantitative data obtained in the study were analyzed using the statistical (paired sample t test) method, and the qualitative data were analyzed by content analysis. In the results of working; It has been determined that STEM activities based on Montessori approach have a positive effect on pre-school teacher candidates' attitudes towards science and science teaching. The results obtained from the qualitative data showed that there were positive improvements in teacher candidates' attitudes towards science and science teaching and the quantitative results were of high quality.

Language: Turkish

DOI: 10.26466/opus.831879

ISSN: 2528-9527