Language: English

Abstract/Notes: Alternative schools such as Montessori, Reggio Emilia or Waldorf emerged on the educational scene over a century ago but have proliferated internationally in the last 15-20 years. In addition to being considered as educational alternatives to conventional approaches, these schools are often associated with enhanced benefits in cognitive, social, emotional, and personal development of attending children. This assumption stems from the fact that these approaches are aligned with the basic principles of child development, especially because in these schools, daily practices are organized according to children's developmental strengths and considering individual learning rhythms. However, empirical research on this assumption is scarce and little is known about the type of schools studied and the aspects of development analyzed. Thus, this systematic review aims to address two objectives: to identify which types of alternative schools have captured the interest of researchers and to explore the most studied areas of cognitive and socioemotional development during childhood, along with the main findings. The review includes studies conducted in the last decade that compare the effects of attending alternative schools versus conventional preschools, elementary schools, or high schools. Twenty-four articles were included, most of them focused on Montessori and, to a lesser extent, Waldorf schools. Other types of alternative schools (democratic, Freinet) had limited representation. Executive function, creativity and academic achievement have received more attention in research compared to well-being, social competence, or independence. Overall, the results show a better performance in children from alternative schools or no differences with their counterparts in conventional schools. However, this study provides a critical perspective on these findings, highlighting limitations that should be considered when interpreting them and guiding future research endeavors.

Language: English

DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2024.107480

ISSN: 0190-7409

Abstract/Notes: Effectively adapting evidence-based interventions for nursing home (NH) implementation is a critical, yet under-examined, component of improving care quality. Montessori-based activity programming (MAP) is an evidence-based intervention that promotes person-centered care, engages persons living with dementia, and mitigates distress behaviors. Currently, there is sparse examination of MAP in Department of Veterans Affairs NHs (i.e., Community Living Centers, CLCs). We report on the use of the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications-Enhanced (FRAME) to track adaptations made to MAP – providing a pre-implementation exemplar for NH clinicians and implementation scientists. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected across two phases (i.e., pre-implementation and pilot implementation) at eight VA CLCs between 2017-2019. We used an iterative, rapid content analytic approach to triangulate findings across data sources (e.g., advisory panel, staff interviews, training evaluations, field notes, fidelity assessments) and identify needed adaptations for the CLC setting and population. More than 300 frontline VA CLC staff participated in qualitative interviews and/or provided feedback on quantitative staff training. Thirty-six adaptations were made. Most adaptions occurred during the pre-implementation phase, were reactive, focused on training/evaluation, and involved researchers, intervention developers, and practitioners. All were fidelity-consistent with MAP. The most common goal across adaptations was increased reach/engagement of the intervention. CLCs and community NHs can use findings to support intervention adaptation, and adapt and implement MAP to improve meaningful engagement for persons living with dementia and other residents. Future research should further evaluate and standardize FRAME for diverse users of complex interventions.

Language: English

DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igad104.1142

ISSN: 2399-5300

Abstract/Notes: By focusing on key figures in early years education and care, this book considers the influential thinkers and ground-breaking approaches that have revolutionized practice. With contributions from the leading authorities and researchers in the field, chapters provide an explanation of the approach, an analysis of the theoretical background, case studies from practice and questions and discussion points to facilitate critical thinking. Included are chapters on: Froebel, Psychoanalytical theories of educating and caring for young children, Maria Montessori, Steiner Waldorf education, High/Scope, Post-modern and post-structuralist perspectives, The role of the creative arts, Forest Schools, Vivian Gussin Paley, Te Whariki.

Language: English

Published: [S.I.]: SAGE Publications, 2010

ISBN: 978-1-84920-577-1

Abstract/Notes: The goal of the presented work was to determine whether and how individualization, differentiation, and personalization are utilized in the principles of the selected programs and in the teachers’ beliefs and practices in the teaching of mathematics at elementary school. In order to collect data, six teachers in the Czech Republic were selected with three different approaches to teaching– Scheme oriented approach, child–centred educational approach, and an undesignated mainstream approach. The basic concepts and all three selected approaches to teaching were defined in the theoretical part of the work. In the experimental part, episodes from interviews about beliefs and practices identified in teaching were interpreted within the context of characteristics of individualization, differentiation, and personalization. Practices such as the use of textbooks and homework assignments were specifically described. The study shows that teachers of a scheme-oriented approach and a child–centred educational approach use elements of individualization, differentiation, and personalization in their practices. Individualization appears in the teaching of the undesignated mainstream approach, but this approach does not contain aspects of differentiation and personalization. The analysis in all monitored areas of selected teachers indicates which of the characteristics prevail in individual teachers’ work and the approaches. The research confirmed that selected teachers in all three approaches (Hejny method, Montessori method and an undesignated) individualize, differentiate, or personalize to some extent. / Cílem předkládané práce bylo popsat, zda a jak jsou uplatňována individualizace, diferenciace a personalizace ve vybraných programech, jejich principech, učitelských přesvědčeních a praktikách ve výuce matematiky na prvním stupni základní školy. Za účelem sběru dat bylo vybráno šest učitelů se třemi odlišnými přístupy k výuce – výuka orientovaná na budování schémat, pedocentricky orientovaná metoda a nevyhraněný přístup hlavního vzdělávacího proudu v České republice. V teoretické části práce byly definovány základní pojmy a vymezeny všechny tři vybrané přístupy k výuce. V experimentální části byly na pozadí charakteristik individualizace, diferenciace a personalizace interpretovány epizody z rozhovorů o přesvědčeních a praktikách sledovaných při výuce. Z praktik bylo konkrétně popsáno užití učebnic a zadávání domácích úkolů. Ukázalo se, že učitelé ve výuce orientované na budování schémat i učitelé pedocentricky orientované metody využívají při výuce prvky individualizace, diferenciace i personalizace. U učitelů v nevyhraněném přístupu hlavního proudu se objevuje individualizace. Analýza ve všech sledovaných oblastech u vybraných učitelů naznačuje, které z charakteristik převažují u jednotlivých učitelů a přístupů (v Hejného metodě, montessoriovské metodě a nevyhraněném přístupu).

Language: English

Published: Prague, Czechia, 2023

Language: English

ISSN: 0040-7887

Language: English

ISSN: 0040-7887

Abstract/Notes: According to the World Health Organization, there are currently more than 55 million people living with dementia worldwide, and this figure is expected to triple by 2050. Recent studies suggest that there may be a link between childhood trauma (which refers to exposure to overwhelmingly stressful experiences before the age of 18 years) and the onset of dementia in later life. Therefore, in communities caring for persons living with dementia, some residents may have been exposed to trauma in childhood. Currently, there is an increasing awareness of the negative impact of childhood trauma on later adult health and well-being, and a corresponding recognition of the need for services, including for dementia care, to be trauma-informed. In the last decade, the Montessori Method has become established as a legitimate approach to elder/dementia care. However, it has not yet been examined as a trauma-informed approach. The aim of this paper is to address that gap by (a) highlighting how Maria Montessori took steps to integrate interdisciplinary knowledge of trauma into her Method when she began to understand the potential of childhood trauma to adversely impact adult health and well-being, and (b) outlining how the Montessori Method, when applied to dementia care, incorporates many of the core principles of trauma-informed practice. This paper concludes that the Montessori Method for dementia care has the built-in capacity to be trauma-sensitive and trauma-responsive, but that its ongoing rollout should follow Montessori’s lead by specifically integrating knowledge about the neurobiology of trauma into its training programs.

Language: English

DOI: 10.17161/jomr.v9i2.19480

ISSN: 2378-3923

Abstract/Notes: This master’s thesis investigates the support provided to teachers in fostering Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) within schools. The study was carried out at a private international school in France following a unique school concept. An ethnographic design facilitated a comprehensive study of three months involving participant observations, non-participant observations, and interviews. The research adopts an instrumental case study approach, which focuses on illuminating the particular issue of educators transitioning from traditional teaching methods to an alternative concept. Key findings highlight four factors that support teachers, such as the implementation of a buddy system for collaboration and meaningful learning experiences among teachers. It also identifies six limitations, including the lack of clear guidance and sufficient professional development opportunities. The research further evaluates how the school aligns with UNESCO’s (2021) ESD guidelines highlighting both areas of success and improvement. Here, the findings show a connection between the physical environment and the teaching experience and how it can negatively impact the teacher if the space does not align with the pedagogy. The study also found that it is unrealistic for one teacher to embody all the competencies that are relevant to an effective implementation of ESD. Instead, a diverse team can expose students to all competencies by collaborating and considering their own multiple intelligences and the ones of their students. This qualitative study offers unique contributions by amplifying teachers’ voices, illuminating their challenges, and highlighting the importance of supportive learning environments for ESD. Further research is essential for broader generalizability, optimizing the learning environment, and collaborative teacher education to enhance ESD implementation and sustainability.

Language: English

Published: As, Norway, 2023

Abstract/Notes: This article aims to conduct a comparative analysis between early childhood traditional education and alternatives in primary education, such as the Maria Montessori method and Reggio Emilia approach. This article will be relevant and advisable for educators and parents to understand the key differences between each approach. There is no doubt that early childhood education plays an essential role in educating young minds. The question is how to find the best way to educate young children, what to choose: teacher-centered or child-centered models of teaching? Furthermore, from a parental view, the question is not only which method works the best, but also which one is more beneficial for “My Child”. Parents have difficulty choosing the right teaching option specifically for their children, which would help them become successful members of modern society in the future. Taking into consideration our teaching experience of more than twenty-five years, along with researching many pedagogical and educational books and articles, we came to an interesting conclusion about both – traditional and alternatives in teaching young minds. Alongside, we discovered that no matter how beneficial is the true idea of any teaching method, unfortunately, not every school is a true barrier to the philosophy, theory, and teaching approach behind the school's name brand.

Language: English

DOI: 10.24234/se.v7i2.8

ISSN: 2953-7886, 2579-2881