Abstract/Notes: The essay examines the opinions formulated by the journal «Pro Infantia» about the Montessori method, within the lively debate that this approach elicited among both secular and Catholic groups. A review of the contents of the periodical – which was produced by La Scuola publishing house in Brescia – shows that after initially considering Montessori’s work with interest, the publication adopted a more prudent and critical attitude. This stance became more radically pronounced in the 1920s, when, despite growing attention to the Montessori method in some of the leading Catholic circles, «Pro Infantia» began to voice strong criticism of it. (English)

Language: Italian

ISSN: 1828-4582

Abstract/Notes: This article explores the benefits of using the Montessori Method to teach English in elementary grades. The Montessori approach, known for its emphasis on self-directed learning and hands-on activities, offers a unique and effective way to foster language acquisition skills among young learners. By creating an engaging and interactive environment, students can develop a solid foundation in English while also nurturing their creativity and independence.

Language: English

Abstract/Notes: Students who develop and apply their self-directed learning skills have advantages in school over those who do not (Betts & Knapp, 1981; Candy, 1991; Guglielmino, 1977; Schunk & Zimmerman, 2012). This is because self-directed learning (SDL) skills enable autonomous learning where students self-initiate, solve problems, develop new ideas, and monitor themselves with minimal external guidance (Knowles, 1976; Zimmerman, 2000). Despite the importance of these skills, research shows that few students consistently engage in SDL (Dent & Koenka, 2016; Zimmerman & Schunk, 2001). Because of SDL's multi-faceted and complex nature, it is difficult to discern why this is the case (Dent & Koenka, 2016; Zimmerman & Schunk, 2001). Multiple dynamic, interacting factors, including maturation, environmental supports, and historical events, likely contribute to students’ SDL development (Hoyle & Dent, 2017). As such, recent literature suggests that a relational dynamic systems (RDS) approach can help elucidate the dynamic, context-dependent patterns by which SDL skills unfold (Hoyle & Dent, 2017). According to RDS theories, development occurs within multi-level, interacting, relational systems; therefore, the bi-directional relationship between the person and their environment should be the unit of analysis (Lerner et al., 2011). This study aimed to provide a systematic investigation of the development of SDL skills, accounting for important contextual and developmental influences as well as individual pathways. Adolescence appears to be an optimal time for students to gain SDL skills (Brown, 1978; Brown et al., 1983); hence, this study focused on that developmental period. Also, because the Montessori educational approach is conducive to SDL skill development (Lillard, 2017; Rathunde, 2009, 2014), it was used as the school backdrop for this study. Furthermore, during data collection, a global pandemic caused by COVID-19 impacted school environments and was also included as a developmental context in this study. Specifically, this study utilized a longitudinal convergent mixed methods design to (1) identify patterns of SDL skill development across adolescence, (2) illustrate the reasons for those changes, and (3) illuminate the indirect effect of COVID-19 on students’ SDL. Emergent themes from student interviews conducted over four years augmented growth curve analysis results from an accelerated longitudinal design utilizing student surveys to address the research questions. Descriptive, correlational, multi-level model (MLM), and repeated-measures ANOVA analyses of student survey responses across four years (4 waves) of data collection with students grades 7 through 12 (n = 284) were applied to address the quantitative research questions. Emergent themes, derived through thematic analysis of 29 interviews, or 11 cases of students with a range of SDL skills (average, above average, and below average), addressed the qualitative research questions. Finally, quantitative results and qualitative findings were combined and compared to investigate convergence, divergence, and expansion areas that addressed integrative research questions. Findings shed important light on the development of adolescent students’ SDL skills across adolescence. Quantitative results and qualitative analyses were combined to address the research question: Do adolescent students’ SDL skills increase, decrease, or remain stable throughout middle school and high school? Findings resulted in areas of convergence and divergence across methods. Despite some diverging quantitative results, namely a non-significant growth model, other quantitative results, a non-significant no-growth model and descriptive plots, converged with qualitative findings from student interviews to suggest that within and between students, SDL skill development can include a combination of growth, decline, or stability over time. Findings from this study also suggest that each SDL skill can develop on its own timetable. Also, findings suggest a developmental pattern whereby SDL skills vary more in middle school than in high school. These findings have begun to disentangle contradictory results of earlier SDL research (e.g., Heater, 2005; Pajares & Valiante, 2002; Reio & Ward, 2005). From a practice perspective, the findings imply that it may benefit students to have tailored interventions that meet them where they are developmentally, considering each SDL skill individually and all together. The second integrative research question that was addressed in this study was: What roles do factors like grade level and the Montessori learning environment play in SDL development? Quantitative results and qualitative findings converged to suggest that students' SDL skills develop, at least in part, as a factor of the length of time a student has been immersed in the Montessori program. The findings also show that a student’s maturation may play a role in SDL skill development, especially when environmental contexts are supportive. In addition, qualitative interviews with students identified features of the Montessori program, such as open work time, scaffolded opportunities to be self-directed, autonomy support, and supportive teachers that aided students in their SDL development, which also aligns with the literature (Zumbrunn et al., 2011). This finding strengthens prior research, which found cursory evidence for how Montessori schools support the development of SDL skills (Ervin et al., 2010). In addition, quantitative results and qualitative findings diverged for the third overarching research question: Have changes in the learning environment associated with COVID-19 shaped the development of students’ SDL skills? If so, how? Although the quantitative results from this study failed to detect any indirect effects of the impact of COVID-19 on students’ SDL, qualitative findings found that changes in their learning environment as a result of COVID-19 impacted students’ SDL both negatively and positively. Research has also found that the global pandemic drastically impacted the school environment, so it is most likely that the quantitative measure failed to detect an effect (Huck & Zhang, 2021; Tarkar, 2020). Furthermore, in the interviews, most students reported a combination of negative experiences (e.g., more distractions at home, lowered motivation, fewer social interactions, higher stress, and missing in-school learning) as well as positive experiences (e.g., increased time management, access to resources, multi-tasking, organization, ability to shut out distractions, and time to sleep) that impacted their SDL abilities. Qualitative findings from this study extend prior research by providing student accounts of their experiences, including silver linings (Wilson et al., 2020). Despite its limitations, this study revealed important exploratory findings about how students’ SDL skills can develop across adolescence. Areas of convergence across qualitative and quantitative methodologies underscore the reliability of the study findings. There were also unique quantitative and qualitative findings that extend prior research and provide important implications for future research and practice.

Language: English

Published: Claremont, California, 2023

Abstract/Notes: Montessori methods will be demonstrated today, tomorrow and Wednesday at the San Diego High school music room under the auspices of the Montessori Educational Association. The demonstration, which will be continuous for 9 until 3, will be open to the public as well as to teachers.

Language: English

Abstract/Notes: It is definitely decided that Madame Montessori, expert on child psychology and child education, will hold classes in the Oregon building beginning August 1. She will give a series of lectures and demonstrations in several of the state and foreign buildings, and will open in the Oregon building. It is said that she will conduct a training course, when her method of teaching will be submitted to an international jury, and the most practical features offered for permanent use in this country. It has been said frequently that Madame Montessori's method was not adaptable to American children. It will undoubtedly be found that under her direct management the obstacles will be eliminated. She will have classes of children between the ages of 3 and 6, who have never been taught in any school by any method. The classes will be held in the forenoon, and already parents are beginning to besiege the office of her manager with requests that their children be the fortunate ones to come under the madame's influence. The lecture will be open to the public. In the Oregon building they will probably be held in the dancing pavilion. Instrumental in bringing Madame Montessori to the exposition are Dr. P. P. Claxton, Commission of Education; Dr. David Starr Jordan, president of the National Educational Association; Dr. Adelaide Brown, of San Francisco; Mariana Bertola, president of the Vittoria Colonna Club, and Margaret Wilson, daughter of President Wilson. Wallace Hatch, of 2612 Park street, Berkeley, is managing the work, and any request for information or for the entering of children in the classes should be addressed to him.

Language: English

Language: English

DOI: 10.1177/001312456800100105

ISSN: 0013-1245, 1552-3535

Abstract/Notes: The study was conducted to determine if the utilization of Montessori Math Model Method in learning the addition and subtraction of fraction has an impact to the improvement of students’ performance. A quantitative design was used in the study. The essential data were gathered from a total number of 67 respondents, 34 students from the experimental group and 33 students from the control  group, with the aid of validated questionnaire. Data were analyzed and interpreted using the Average Weighted Mean and T-test as statistical tools. According to the findings of the study, data revealed that the result of pre-test and post-test of both experimental and controlled group is significant. The result showed that there is a significant difference of the utilization of the Montessori Math Model Method in learning addition and subtraction of fraction in Grade 5 Pupils in Kaputian Elementary School.

Language: English

ISSN: 2654-346X

Abstract/Notes: El método de Montessori destaca la didáctica a través de los cinco sentidos, no sólo a través de tres de ellos como se hace tradicionalmente (escuchar, ver o leer), el docente deberá saber con previa evaluación lo que cada niño está listo para realizar. Esta enseñanza es un fascinante proceso de invención, lo que conduce a la plena concentración, la motivación y sobre todo el auto-control. El objetivo de la investigación es impulsar el hábito del auto-estudio y la autodisciplina, es decir que posibilita a que el niño trabaje con autonomía, favoreciendo el propio interés y la investigación que ayudan al niño a concentrarse en su aula; la metodología aplicada se buscó coordinar y alcanzar los objetivos propuestos mediante una investigación bibliográfica y relatos narrativos. La función del orientador fundamental es la del adulto, y en especial el padre, ya que se considera el principal guía del niño, quien es el responsable de mostrarle elmundo en sus primeros pasos. Esta enseñanza es un fascinante proceso de invención, lo que conduce a la plena concentración, la motivación y sobre todo el auto-control, los niños logran asimilar: una investigación propia e independiente, planificar, organizar, compilar información; crear: presentaciones, exposiciones y proyectos. [The Montessori method highlights the didactics through the five senses, not only through three of them as is traditionally done (listening, seeing or reading), the teacher must know with prior evaluation what each child is ready to do. This teaching is a fascinating process of invention, which leads to full concentration, motivation and above all self-control. The objective of the research is to promote the habit of self-study and self-discipline, that is, it enables the child to work with autonomy, favoring self-interest and research that help the child to concentrate in her classroom; The applied methodology sought to coordinate and achieve the proposed objectives through bibliographic research and narrative stories. The role of the fundamental guide is that of the adult, and especially the father, since she is considered the child's main guide, who is responsible for showing her the world in her first steps. This teaching is a fascinating process of invention, which leads to full concentration, motivation and above all self-control, children manage to assimilate: their own independent research, planning, organizing, compiling information; create: presentations, exhibitions and projects.]

Language: Spanish

DOI: 10.32645/13906925.935

ISSN: 2631-2905

Language: English

DOI: 10.1080/00071005.2022.2108757

ISSN: 1467-8527, 0007-1005

Abstract/Notes: Primary School education in Germany is characterized by a strong belief that didactic theory and practice must move towards the “individualization” of teaching and learning. This is considered to be the best way of acknowledging the heterogeneity of learners: Each student should be able to learn on his or her own pace and follow his or her own way of learning. Although these concepts are rather popular in German pedagogical literature, empirical evidence supporting these arguments are rare. Most notably missing are studies on a micro-level of teaching and learning. The research which is reported in this chapter aims at discussing individualized teaching and learning at the level of classroom practices and practical demands. The chapter presents and discusses two pieces of empirical data. It shows an observation of a student working with a learning device called the “pharmacy”, a complex learning tool used in Maria Montessori schools. And secondly, it presents the transcript of a teacher-student-interaction on learning to read. The discussion points to the structure of child-centered teaching and learning: Many of the students’ activities have the character of a routine piece of work, the accuracy of the handling seems to be more important than the understanding. The interaction between teachers and students is characterized by the fact that it is one-to-one interaction within a group of learners who have diverse needs. Hence, the teacher-student-interaction is under pressure to make it result in a success. For “child-centered“ learning there seems to be a strong tendency to focus on procedures keeping the students busy when it comes to organizing the autonomy and self-reliance of learning.

Language: English

Published: Cham, Switzerland: Springer, 2023

ISBN: 978-3-031-20810-2

Series: Transdisciplinary Perspectives in Educational Research