Abstract/Notes: While students are receiving a high-quality education within the classroom, some students face difficulty performing adequately on assessments. These students typically receive intervention support to assist in increasing their skill deficits. However, many schools are unaware of the different approaches they can implement within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports framework. While utilizing a standard protocol has been the preferred method, many schools are currently implementing the problem-solving approach because it targets one skill the student is struggling with. Little research has been conducted comparing or combining the two approaches leading schools to be clueless about which one will provide more positive results. A synthesis of articles implementing one or both approaches was conducted to determine which approach would work best in a Montessori school. Results showed an individualized approach might assist students more based on higher effect sizes. However, some researchers who compared the two approaches indicate both approaches are comparable in yielding positive results. To implement interventions effectively, educators must use an evidence-based intervention that’s explicit and structured, screen and monitor progress to make informed decisions, and implement the intervention with fidelity.
Language: English
Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2023
Article
✓ Peer Reviewed
A utilização do Método Montessori como ferramenta para contribuição do desenvolvimento socioemocional na primeira infância / The use of the Montessori Method as a tool to contribute to early childhood socio-emotional development
Abstract/Notes: When intrapersonal conflicts are observed in the resolution of everyday setbacks in most children who are experiencing early childhood (2 to 6 (two to six years)), there was a need to elaborate this research in order to find ways that can contribute to the processes of building socio-emotional knowledge. Therefore, we want to analyze whether and how the Montessori Method can contribute to this development of the subject when it needs to resolve conflicts. In view of this, the application of the Montessori method may be a methodology capable of helping to alleviate, or even to resolve, the problem. This method seeks to make children more independent as to the mastery of their emotional and social stability. The general objective of this article is to analyze the contribution of the Montessori Method to the independence of children, in the area of their socio-emotional aspects. The specific objectives are: to clarify what intrapersonal conflicts are and to exemplify situations; to understand the Montessori Method when it comes to autonomy and independence in childhood and to ratify the contribution of the method to socio-emotional development. The sequence of discussion sessions of the article deals with subjects that can clarify the aforementioned objectives, which are called: Intra-personal conflicts and example of situations; Montessori method - autonomy and independence of children and contribution of the Montessori method to socioemotional development in early childhood. The methodology used for this research is qualitative and bibliographic, since concepts and reflections that already exist on the theme will be analyzed. The expectation of the authors is that adults who read this article can promote actions and behaviors that contribute to the independence and autonomy of children, mainly in relation to the domain of emotional stability, so that children learn to deal with their intrapersonal conflicts in a natural, reflective, calm and direct way; demonstrating the possible contribution of the method in the maturation of this domain. / Ao serem observados conflitos intrapessoais na resolução de contratempos cotidianos em grande parte das crianças que estão vivenciando a primeira infância (2 a 6 (dois a seis anos)), houve a necessidade de elaborar esta pesquisa a fim de encontrar maneiras que possam contribuir para os processos de construção de conhecimentos socioemocionais. Portanto deseja-se analisar se, e como, o Método Montessori pode contribuir para este desenvolvimento do sujeito quando este necessita resolver conflitos. Em vista disso, a aplicação do Método Montessori pode ser uma metodologia capaz de contribuir para amenizar, ou até mesmo, para uma possível resolução da problemática. Este método procura tornar as crianças mais independentes quanto ao domínio de suas estabilidades emocionais e sociais. O objetivo geral deste artigo consiste em analisar a contribuição do Método Montessori para a independência das crianças, quanto ao domínio dos seus aspectos socioemocionais. Quanto aos objetivos específicos destaca-se: esclarecer o que são os conflitos intrapessoais e exemplificar situações; compreender o Método Montessori quando se trata de autonomia e independência na infância e ratificar a contribuição do método para o desenvolvimento socioemocional. A sequência de sessões de discussão do artigo trata de assuntos que possam esclarecer os objetivos supracitados, os quais são denominados: Conflitos intrapessoais e exemplo de situações; Método Montessori – autonomia e independência infantil e contribuição do Método Montessori para o desenvolvimento socioemocional na primeira infância. A metodologia utilizada para esta pesquisa é qualitativa e bibliográfica, pois serão analisados conceitos e reflexões que já existem a respeito do tema. A expectativa das autoras é que os adultos que lerem este artigo possam promover ações e condutas que contribuam para a independência e autonomia das crianças, principalmente, com relação ao domínio da estabilidade emocional, para que as crianças aprendam a lidar com seus conflitos intrapessoais de maneira natural, reflexiva, calma e direta; demonstrando a possível contribuição do método na maturação deste domínio.
Abstract/Notes: Children are being introduced to organized sports programs at younger ages today. The first experience sets the stage for how they may view their physical competency and acceptance within a group. In these experiences, frequently, the coach is a well-intended parent who may not have any background in coaching or physical education training. Dr. Maria Montessori is widely known for her contributions to experiential learning for young children. Although Montessori addressed motor development through her pedagogical approach, it is rarely associated with physical education or sports. This article aims to provide some insight to educators, physical education teachers, coaches, and parents with an alternative approach to sport introduction through a Montessori theoretical lens which may allow children to develop a love for physical activity and/or future athletes.
Abstract/Notes: The aim of this paper is to study and analyze Montessori's educational ideas and their implications for family education. Through the study of representative works such as The Complete Montessori Book of Early Education, The Montessori Handbook of Sensitive Periods for Children, The Montessori Family Program, The Montessori Method of Early Education, The Secret of Childhood and The Absorbent Mind, we have come to the following conclusions. Firstly, Montessori's educational philosophy emphasizes the creation of a home environment that matches the child. This includes providing an orderly, quiet, warm and inspiring environment, and parents should be supporters and observers of children's development, respecting their individual interests and needs. Secondly, Montessori emphasized grasping the child's sensitive periods. She observed that children are more sensitive to certain experiences and skills at certain ages and learn best during this period. Finally, Montessori's educational ideas provide theoretical and practical implications for preschool education. She emphasizes the development of children's self-discipline, self-confidence, independent thinking and problem-solving skills. Encouraging children to actively participate in daily life activities, developing good social skills and emotional development, and providing appropriate learning experiences lay a solid foundation for children's preschool education. In summary, Montessori's educational ideas give important insights in the area of family education. Creating a family environment adapted to children, grasping sensitive periods, and developing various abilities are insights that provide theoretical and practical implications for preschool education.
Ali Abdulhussain Fadhil
(Author) , Ali H. Mohammed (Author)
, Ibrahim Mourad Mohammed (Author)
, Mohammed Shnain Ali (Author)
, Khulood H. Oudaha (Author)
, Saif Yaseen Hasan (Author)
Abstract/Notes: Objectives: Alzheimer's is the most prevalent cognitive disturbance, with a high spread among the elderly. The current research aims to investigate the impact of cognitive rehabilitation on the memory improvement of Alzheimer's disease patients. | Methods: The current research used a semi-experimental design with pre-test and post-test designs. The statistical population in Baghdad in 2021 included 60 patients with Alzheimer's illness, all considered a statistical sample and separated into two experimental and control groups (30 people in each group). The patient's cognitive abilities were assessed prior to the intervention (pre-test), straightly after the intervention (post-test), and two months later (follow-up). The experimental group had twenty-eight 45-minute sessions of training based on the Montessori Method (two sessions per week). The data were analyzed in SPSS version 19 using the independent t-test and repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results have a P-value of less than 0.05. | Results: The findings of the independent t-test demonstrated that there is no significant differ between the scores of the both groups during the pre-test stage (P>0.05) but that this difference is significant during the post-test and follow-up stages (P<0.001). In addition, the findings of repeated measures ANOVA indicated a significant differ between the both groups' mean scores in post-test and follow-up (P<0.001). | Conclusion: Cognitive rehabilitation can help patients with memory disorders and positively affect their memory performance.
Martin Schetter
(Author) , David Romascano (Author)
, Mathilde Gaujard (Author)
, Christian Rummel (Author)
, Solange Denervaud (Author)
Publication: Brain Sciences,
vol. 13, no. 9
Date: 2023
Pages: 1270
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Abstract/Notes: Brain hemispheres develop rather symmetrically, except in the case of pathology or intense training. As school experience is a form of training, the current study tested the influence of pedagogy on morphological development through the cortical thickness (CTh) asymmetry index (AI). First, we compared the CTh AI of 111 students aged 4 to 18 with 77 adults aged > 20. Second, we investigated the CTh AI of the students as a function of schooling background (Montessori or traditional). At the whole-brain level, CTh AI was not different between the adult and student groups, even when controlling for age. However, pedagogical experience was found to impact CTh AI in the temporal lobe, within the parahippocampal (PHC) region. The PHC region has a functional lateralization, with the right PHC region having a stronger involvement in spatiotemporal context encoding, while the left PHC region is involved in semantic encoding. We observed CTh asymmetry toward the left PHC region for participants enrolled in Montessori schools and toward the right for participants enrolled in traditional schools. As these participants were matched on age, intelligence, home-life and socioeconomic conditions, we interpret this effect found in memory-related brain regions to reflect differences in learning strategies. Pedagogy modulates how new concepts are encoded, with possible long-term effects on knowledge transfer.
Abstract/Notes:
When emotions, thoughts, and actions align, this is referred to as “self-congruency”. Therefore, this study aimed to determine how temporal covariance of the heart and brain signals were related to self-congruency. Thirty-eight healthy adults underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging to obtain neural markers of variability, whereas heart rate variability (HRV) was measured using photoplethysmography. Participants were also asked to report their level of self-congruency with a graphic rating scale. A cross-covariance analysis (CCA) was performed to assess the temporal covariance of signals arising from both organs, which was then correlated with self-congruency scores. Overall, the CCA results revealed brain-to-heart-driven interplay in brain regions involved in the neurovisceral integration model (e.g., ventromedial prefrontal cortex) and in emotion regulation (e.g., anterior cingulate). However, higher self-congruency scores were related to heart-to-brain-driven interplay in brain regions involved in emotion regulation and empathy. Together, the present findings suggest that, while global brain-to-heart-driven interplay occurs on average, it is heart-to-brain-driven interplay that reflects higher self-congruency. Given the impact of heart-brain interplay and self-congruency on mental health, further investigations on each concept could be interesting in developing tools for early intervention.
Language:
English
Published:
Aug 30, 2023
Document
The Effects of Mild but Chronic Stress at School on Brain Development: A Comparative Morphometric Study Between Traditionally and Montessori-schooled Children
Abstract/Notes:
While many children suffer from stress due to school-related factors, some alternative schooling systems, such as the Montessori pedagogy, emphasize stress-free learning environments (e.g., no grades, no tests, peer-peer learning). This study compared brain markers of stress, i.e., hippocampus, amygdala, and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) volumes, as a function of school experience. A cross-sectional comparative morphometric study was run between 45 traditionally schooled children and 44 Montessori-schooled children (3-12 years). While both groups were comparable in terms of cognitive abilities, socio-economic environment, and anxiety levels, volumetric values within their hippocampus and their mPFC differed. While there was hippocampal growth across development for all participants, there was a higher gain for Montessori-schooled children. Furthermore, female traditionally schooled children showed a loss in hippocampal and mPFC volume across age, while female Montessori-schooled children showed a gain. It seems that traditional pedagogical approaches induce mild but chronic stress, affecting underlying brain structures.
Abstract/Notes: The collection includes biographical articles and clippings, correspondence, published writings and typescripts, memorabilia, notes, photographs, and organization files. Correspondence (1903-40) pertains to her travels, publications, and involvement in feminist and social organizations. Organizational files include minutes, agendas and reports relating to the International Council of Women (1915-26),the National Council of Women, and the Montessori Education Association of New York. Her work for the International Writers Conclave (Chicago, 1933) brought occasional correspondence from women authors around the world. Typescripts of articles and addresses including an essay on Chinese medicine and information on Dr. Mary Stone, medical missionary, China (n.d.). Material related to her world travels includes writings, correspondence, travel literature, maps and notes. Individuals represented include May Wright Sewall, Mary Eleanor Wilkins Freeman, Lena Madesin Phillips, and Kate Douglas Smith Wiggin.
Language:
English
Article
The Urgent Need for an Early Years Workforce Strategy
Abstract/Notes: Statistics published by the DfE in July show the proportion of staff working in the the early years sector with a relevant early years qualification has fallen since 2020. Dr Nathan Archer, director of the International Montessori Institute, outlines his thoughts on how the government could tackle the recruitment and retention crisis and the need for a workforce strategy.
Patricia A. Lauer
(Author)
, Mid-Continent Research for Education and Learning
(Author)
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Abstract/Notes: This report summarizes research literature on multiage classrooms, explaining how they operate, and describes a study of a low-performing, predominantly Native American school district which adopted multiage classrooms as its primary reform strategy. District teachers completed surveys about: planning; collaboration; student groupings and interactions; assessment; planning resources; preparedness; faculty development; perceptions about the effects of multiage classrooms and looping on student learning; opinions on advantages and disadvantages of multiage classrooms and looping; and suggestions for improving instruction and learning. Researchers observed 37 classrooms and interviewed principals and district administrators. They also collected data from a comparison school in a neighboring district that had successful multiage grouping. Teachers were dissatisfied with how multiage classrooms were mandated by district administrators. The mandate created camps of teachers divided over
Language: English
Published: Washington, D.C.,
Dec 2000
Report
Investigations of Classroom and At-Home Interventions: Research and Development Program on Preschool Disadvantaged Children. Final Report. [3 volumes]
Abstract/Notes: To determine the relative effectiveness of different methods of preschool educational intervention for disadvantaged children, comparisons were made of five programs whose levels of structure ranged from the traditional nursery school to a highly structured preschool. Subjects were 79 4-year-olds representing a wide range of ability levels. Intervention effects were evaluated at the end of the preschool year and also, at the end of the kindergarten year. Follow-up data were collected at the end of first grade for three of the programs. Preliminary results were differential and encouraging for the more structured programs. The ameliorative preschool provided a framework for the subsequent investigation of related variables: effects of initiating the program with 3-year-old, low IQ children, and the feasibility of using paraprofessional staff as teachers. Included in this report are studies undertaken to provide instructional programs for children under 3 years and to find techniques to train mothers in home intervention. (MS)
Language: English
Published: Urbana-Champaign, Illinois,
May 1969
Article
The Return of the Nongraded Classroom
Robert H. Anderson
(Author)
Publication: Principal,
vol. 72, no. 3
Date: Jan 1993
Pages: 9-12
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Abstract/Notes: Graded school concept, born of administrative practicality and puritanical traditions, has promulgated its lockstep curriculum, its simplistic child development assumptions, and its sexist, isolationist teaching methods since the mid-1800s. Most natural learning environment calls for heterogeneous multiage groupings, within which other groupings may be created as needed. Nongraded schools offer reasonable alternative that takes about five years to launch. (MLH)
Language: English
ISSN: 0271-6062
Book
The Inclusive Classroom: Creating a Cherished Experience through Montessori
Ginger Kelley McKenzie
(Author)
, Victoria S. Zascavage (Author)
, Vanessa M. Rigaud (Author)
, Crystal Dahlmeier (Author)
, My Le N. Vo (Author)
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Abstract/Notes: The Inclusive Classroom: Creating a Cherished Experience through Montessori brings together experts in Montessori Education and Special Education for the 3- to 6-year-old child in Montessori school. This book will be used by Montessori professionals in teacher training programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, by Montessori teachers in classrooms including public, private, sectarian, and nonsectarian schools for classrooms ages 3 to 6, and by Montessori administrators in all types of schools. The Montessori chapters (Introduction, Practical Life, Sensorial, Math/Geometry, Language, and Conclusion) describe and include examples of how to modify or re-present Montessori lessons for children with learning challenges. These lessons are supported by the principles of Universal Design for Learning AND specific standards from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Abstract/Notes: Examines the advantages of teaching in a multiage elementary classroom and discusses specific techniques that work well with children of different ages and abilities. Suggests that teachers need to integrate material as much as possible, balance large- and small-group activities, and utilize cooperative teams made up of students from each age group. (MDM)
Language: English
ISSN: 0891-4508
Article
Assessment and Evaluation in the Multiage Classroom. Special Issue
Abstract/Notes: Assessment of student progress is a challenge for educators who use developmentally appropriate practices such as multiage grouping. Interest in alternative types of assessment has become widespread. These performance-based, or authentic, assessments are explored in this document, which presents assessment strategies that work effectively with multiage instructional approaches. Chapter 1 begins by examining the purposes of assessment and then compares the characteristics, strengths, and limitations of conventional and authentic assessments. Chapter 2 explores methods used to assess and document the process of learning, such as observation, anecdotal records, and developmental checklists, and presents means of assessing, evaluating, and organizing authentic products of student learning. Issues involved in reporting student progress to parents and administration are examined in the third chapter. Chapter 4 considers the implications of authentic-assessment approaches for administrators and school boards, and summarizes what administrators should know about teachers' requirements to effectively implement new assessment methods. A summary publication is included. The appendix contains an overview of authentic-assessment practices in Oregon. Data were gathered from interviews with 10 educators and assessment specialists.
Language: English
ISSN: 0095-6694
Article
Nongraded Education: Overcoming Obstacles to Implementing the Multiage Classroom. Special Issue
Abstract/Notes: This issue of the OSSC Bulletin explores problems encountered in implementing a closely associated group of educational innovations whose adoption has become increasingly common in recent years. This "family" of organizational and instructional practices includes non-age-graded organization, mixed-age grouping, developmentally appropriate practices, continuous-progress learning, integrated or thematic instruction, and cooperative learning. Data were gathered from a review of literature and 10 telephone interviews conducted with teachers and administrators. Chapter 1 surveys the theoretical base for nongraded education and for common nongraded practices and program configurations, focusing on areas in which controversy exits or research evidence is incomplete. It also shows how ignorance of the change process can affect implementation. Chapter 2 explores misunderstandings that often sabotage nongraded practices, and how these misunderstandings develop, and suggests actions that can be taken to reduce them. The third chapter examines the ways inadequate practical skills lead to failure and discusses effective ways for teachers to acquire the appropriate skills. Chapter 4 illustrates how an unsupportive school culture can discourage educators and undermine a program, and chapter 5 documents the need for district and state support. The sixth chapter considers the need for sufficient time and financial resources to prevent program failure. It examines how these factors have affected implementation efforts in British Columbia, Kentucky, and Oregon. Chapter 7 suggests actions school boards and administrators can take to avoid or overcome these obstacles. A Bulletin in Brief, a four-page condensed version, is included. (LMI)
Abstract/Notes: Discusses the organization and operation of multi-age classrooms in an elementary school in Nevada. Describes how teachers working with primary classrooms of first and second graders, and intermediate classrooms of third, fourth, and fifth graders, created an adaptive, flexible, and dynamic curriculum that could serve the needs of their overpopulated school. (AA)
Language: English
ISSN: 0891-4508
Article
An Approach to Art in the Montessori Classroom
Helen Wheatley
(Author)
Publication: SNAPS News (St. Nicholas Association of Past Students News)