Abstract/Notes: Maria Montessori (1870-1952) proposed four planes or stages in children's development, within which were sensitive periods. Normalisation, a transformative process, typically occurs during the first plane of development (birth to six years) and is the essence of Montessori education philosophy. It is a time when children exercise self-discipline and concentration. No direct observation protocols exist to assess normalisation. This research developed the Early Childhood Normalisation Observation Schedule, through three sequentially linked phases. A systematic review of the literature, referral to expert panels and cognitive interviews, and two separate observation studies demonstrated rates of children's normalisation behaviours in authentic Montessori classes.

Language: English

Published: Perth, Australia, 2023

Language: English

Abstract/Notes: The aim of this study was to develop and field test an instrument that provides an efficient and scholarly tool for exploring curricular beliefs of preservice teachers in the area of early childhood education. The Early Childhood Curricular Beliefs Inventory (ECCBI) was developed through procedures that evaluated the content validity of identified statements, explored the criterion and construct validity, and assessed the internal reliability of the instrument. Through a literature review, four predominant approaches to early childhood education (Developmental Interaction, Cognitive Developmental, Behavioral, and Sensory Cognitive) and four associated models of implementation were identified (Developmental Interaction, HighScope, Direct Instruction, and Montessori). Six areas, in which each of the above differed, were identified: the view of the child, role of the teacher, resources utilized, curricular emphasis, assessment methodology, and characteristics of the learning environment. The aim of this study was to develop and field test an instrument that provides an efficient and scholarly tool for exploring curricular beliefs of preservice teachers in the area of early childhood education. The Early Childhood Curricular Beliefs Inventory (ECCBI) was developed through procedures that evaluated the content validity of identified statements, explored the criterion and construct validity, and assessed the internal reliability of the instrument. Through a literature review, four predominant approaches to early childhood education (Developmental Interaction, Cognitive Developmental, Behavioral, and Sensory Cognitive) and four associated models of implementation were identified (Developmental Interaction, HighScope, Direct Instruction, and Montessori). Six areas, in which each of the above differed, were identified: the view of the child, role of the teacher, resources utilized, curricular emphasis, assessment methodology, and characteristics of the learning environment. A panel of experts classified and sorted a total of 182 statements, and 72 items were subsequently organized into an instrument consisting of four subtests corresponding to the identified curricular models. Scoring of the instrument included recording Likert-scale responses for each statement to a score key divided into four sections, or subtests, representing each curricular model. Scores for each section were added and compared. The subtest with the lowest score was deemed most representative of a respondent's curricular beliefs. Data gathered through field testing of the instrument with practitioners were used to explore further content validity through a factor analysis, criterion validity, and construct validity. Results of a second field test of preservice teachers and the results of the first field test (practitioners) were used to assess internal consistency reliability. Analyses appeared to support content, criterion, and construct validity as well as reliability of the 72-item ECCBI. In an effort to reduce the length of the instrument and to make it less cumbersome, results of the factor analysis were used to create a 24-item shortened version of the ECCBI. Six items representing each of the four subtests having the strongest factor loadings were identified as appropriate statements and were then organized into an alternative instrument. Data gathered through field testing of the instrument with practitioners were used to explore further content validity through a factor analysis, criterion validity, and construct validity. Results of a second field test of preservice teachers and the results of the first field test (practitioners) were used to assess internal consistency reliability. Analyses appeared to support content, criterion, and construct validity as well as reliability of the 72-item ECCBI. In an effort to reduce the length of the instrument and to make it less cumbersome, results of the factor analysis were used to create a 24-item shortened version of the ECCBI. Six items representing each of the four subtests having the strongest factor loadings were identified as appropriate statements and were then organized into an alternative instrument.

Language: English

Published: Tallahassee, Florida, 2004

Language: English

Published: Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Association Montessori Internationale, 1959

Language: English

Published: Assen, The Netherlands: Van Gorcum & Co., 1992

ISBN: 90-232-2656-9

Language: English

ISSN: 1071-6246

Abstract/Notes: This study investigated factors that affect access to the general early childhood education curriculum of 4 kindergarten-aged children with disabilities attending an inclusive Montessori program; it replicated with adaptations, components of a previous study on access. Factors included curriculum participation, engagement, type of involvement, and provided instructional supports. Quantitative and qualitative methods were employed to analyze video data of each child recorded during the daily open work period. The children in the present study exhibited slightly higher engagement and received more instructional supports than in the previous study. The general conclusions were that the 4 children participated in the Montessori curriculum to varying degrees due to a complex set of associated factors related to child characteristics, teacher skills, instructional support, and attributes of the Montessori educational approach.

Language: English

Published: Lawrence, Kansas, 2008

Language: English

Published: Santa Rosa, California: Parent Child Press, 2019

ISBN: 978-0-939195-62-6 978-0-939195-63-3

Language: English

Abstract/Notes: The Montessori philosophy advocates that the classroom be a reflection of the home, the community, and the world. Now, a century after Maria Montessori founded her Casa dei Bambini, the world is becoming a high-technology society, with computers a part of everyday American lives. Computers are almost a household necessity, and basic word-processing programs are now easier for young children to use. It is important that early childhood teachers use technology in their classrooms, and Montessori teachers integrate technology into the Montessori environment and curriculum areas. The technology requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act include resources and best practices on technology literacy and effective teaching using technology. The National Education Technology Plan (U.S. Department of Education, 2003) promotes universal access to technology for all children. Finally, the Council for Exceptional Children/Division of Early Childhood (2001) recommends that children use assistive technology to enhance their learning. Ongoing research and continued development of new and emerging technologies and assistive technologies are critical to supporting children's learning. Assistive technology--according to the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act, Public Law 100-407 (the "Tech Act")--is defined as an item, piece of equipment, or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. Assistive technology also includes "low-tech" items that are enhanced and refined by present-day advances in technology. While the term "assistive technology" is new, the idea of adapting technology to fit the needs of children with and without disabilities is not. Thus, the author states that the Montessori curriculum, literacy, children's thinking, and computer literacy can be greatly enhanced using assistive technology with all children in the classroom--not just those with special needs. Social skills can also be developed if two children work together on the same technology. Assistive technology is designed to be durable and washable, to support academic and technological learning, and to facilitate each child's computer literacy skills at developmentally appropriate levels. (Contains 13 resources.)

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040