Language: English

Published: Johannesburg, South Africa: Council of Education, 1915

Abstract/Notes: The present study was intended to investigate the current status of Montessori education practices in Korea and to suggest future direction for its improvement and successful implementation of Montessori education in Korean kindergarten. This study was conducted by self-administered questionnaire survey. Subjects served for the study consisted of 85 Montessori teachers among 30 Montessori Kindergartens located in Seoul area, sampled from Korean Montessori kindergarten, using random sampling method. Data were analysed by IBM-PC computer, using SAS program. Statistical methods employed were frequency of item, t-test, and ANOVA. The summary of the research findings was as follows: It was revealed that Korean Montessori teachers who have worked for Montessori Kindergarten with the large amount of Montessori materials on hand had considerably higher recognition of the practical application of Montessori materials and teaching method of Montessori`s theory and program than Montessori teachers with small amount of materials in their Montessori kindergarten. However, the educational instruments for assessing the whole development of children held in stock by Korean Montessori kindergarten generally were below the mean number of holdings. Therefore, the author suggests the importance of educational assessment instruments for Montessori children and those proper application methods.

Language: English

ISSN: 1226-9557, 2733-9653

Abstract/Notes: This research revolved around Johnson's (2013) definition of early childhood science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education, emphasizing the integration of science and math instruction with scientific inquiry, engineering design, mathematical analysis, and 21st-century interdisciplinary skills. Johnson recommended using an approach called integrated STEM, which aims to create a meaningful integration of STEM disciplines in the context of real-world challenges and problems. Given the swift advancements in science and technology, early exposure to STEM concepts is crucial for children. Research has indicated introducing STEM in preschool equips children with foundational skills to explore complex concepts in elementary school. Early childhood experiences have a substantial impact on cognitive and academic development, fostering brain development and enhancing lifelong cognitive and academic outcomes. Young children naturally exhibit qualities like prediction, hypothesizing, analysis, and curiosity. They actively engage with their surroundings, constructing scientific and mathematical understanding through hands-on STEM activities, and developing competence, knowledge, and problem-solving skills. This study employed narrative inquiry and autoethnography to explore early childhood educators' needs, talents, and challenges in integrating STEM curricula. It addressed critical questions about STEM education, such as its ideal form, optimal introduction timing, and ensuring equitable access for all preschoolers. The research examined educators' STEM knowledge and identified implementation barriers that affect STEM self-efficacy. This research underscores the importance of introducing STEM education early in childhood and highlights the need for comprehensive policies and equitable funding. The study's results bridge the knowledge–doing gap and emphasized the significance of adequately preparing educators to provide STEM-related curricula.

Language: English

Published: San Francisco, California, 2023

Language: English

Language: English

ISSN: 1071-6246

Language: English

Abstract/Notes: This paper contrasts the use of education for conflict with the use of education for peace, shows some historical developments in the field of peace education, and summarizes facets and the diffusion of peace education. The paper explores some considerations for learning environments suitable for peace education programs and describes selected features of two schools to illustrate the implementation of some of the characteristics of peace education. It explains that, although college offerings in peace education worldwide demonstrate the scarcity of peace education programs in mainstream educational institutions, a Web site listing colleges and universities that offer peace studies programs shows approximately 120 graduate and undergraduate programs, most of which are located in North America. The paper notes that in public schools, peace education can at best be found in the international education or conflict resolution programs designed to prevent school violence. Appended is a reference list of peace education Web sites, selected by the U.S. Department of Education. (Contains 27 references.)

Language: English

Published: Orlando, Florida: Comparative and International Education Society, Mar 2002

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: My Honors Thesis compares creativity in children taught in a Montessori classroom with students taught in a conventional classroom. I tested 58 children at Belle Valley Elementary School in Erie Pennsylvania, half in the Montessori program, half in traditional classrooms. Their ages ranged from 5-9, from kindergarten to 3rd grade. I hypothesized that the independence allowed in Montessori classrooms would help foster creativity in its students. The project uses two forms of evaluation to test the concept of creativity, the Torrance Test of Creative Thinking and consensual assessment to score a creative collage. Significant developmental differences were found; older children scored higher on the creativity tests. There was, however, no significant difference between Montessori and conventionally taught children. The conclusion is that in young children creativity develops over time, but that the type of schooling does not moderate this development.

Language: English

Published: Syracuse, New York, 2005

Abstract/Notes: Modern educational space is "impregnated" with ideas of humanization and personality-oriented concept. In this regard, it becomes necessary to study and understand the potential of those pedagogical systems and techniques of a personal orientation that have taken their solid place in the educational space, having proved their importance, efficiency and productivity. One of the most striking representatives of ideas with a humanistic focus is the Italian teacher, psychologist, founder of the method of scientific pedagogy M. Montessori. The article discusses the positive and negative aspects of the developing method of M. Montessori.

Language: English

DOI: 10.5958/2249-7137.2021.01104.6

ISSN: 2249-7137