Abstract/Notes: This mixed methods study focused on the impact of Montessori education on middle school students and educators in a specific public school district in South Florida. The research aim was to determine what academic and social influences Montessori education had on the participants. A sequential explanatory mixed methods design was utilized to evaluate the data: archival student reading and mathematics end-of-year data and teacher interviews. Quantitative analyses of FSA scores in mathematics and reading for SY 2018-2019 indicated that middle school students that were enrolled in a full-time Montessori Magnet program offering did significantly better in mathematics and reading than non-Montessori students that attended a Magnet school hosting multiple programs, which included Montessori. The qualitative analyses (interview data and artifacts) of teacher participants revealed that they believed Montessori education impacted students and educators academically and socially. However, findings revealed that none of the teacher participants were Montessori credentialed, and credentialing of teachers is essential when on a pathway to continuous school improvement. Montessori education at the secondary levels (middle school and high school) continues to develop, creating increased opportunities for future research. Ultimately, stakeholders want to measure the success of their investments into magnet programs such as Montessori education. Research that opens doors for educational reform efforts can provide a springboard for further discussion and establish a baseline for future research in Montessori education in public secondary schools.

Language: English

Published: Miami Shores, Florida, 2023

Language: English

Published: Dayton, Ohio, 1998

Abstract/Notes: The de Lissa Oration, presented by Dr Susan Feez

Runtime: 51:51

Language: English

Published: Adelaide, Australia, Nov 20, 2013

Language: English

Published: North Adelaide, Australia: Kindergarten Union of South Australia, 1975

ISBN: 978-0-9598450-0-6

Language: Japanese

ISSN: 0913-4220

Language: English

ISSN: 1071-6246

Abstract/Notes: South African studies based on school readiness found that most children who commence formal schooling (from Grade 1) lack the basic skills needed to adapt within the learning environment – these include having challenges to follow instructions, work autonomously or focus on a task. The national guideline for teaching children between birth to 9 years does not specify how early childhood education programmes can facilitate or strengthen executive function (EF) skills through structured play. Structured play, can be understood as play activities that require guidance and instructions for completion. During the activities, the participants have to follow instructions in order to attain the outcome. Hence, there is a need to explore how EF skills can be developed through structured play. From our understanding, EF is an individual’s cognitive ability to regulate thoughts and actions needed to complete a task. Executive function skills assist learners to adjust and work effectively later (Grade 1) in a formal learning environment to perform academically. The study was conducted at preschool sites that follow different educational approaches. They are Montessori, National Curriculum Framework (NCF), Reggio Emilia and Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa (ISASA) preschools. The preschools are situated in affluent suburbs of Pretoria, Gauteng. In this article, learners refer to children aged 4 years in the Grade RRR class. A qualitative multiple case study design was utilised. We interacted with two teachers from four schools who followed different educational approaches. The data collection techniques included individual semi-structured interviews, lesson observation and document analysis, whilst photographs and field notes were taken when the teacher-participants interacted with learners during a planned learning experience. The generated data sets were inductively analysed and interpreted using the theoretical frameworks of sociocultural theory and metacognition. The interpreted data sets revealed that the preschool teacher-participants can facilitate EF using games, songs, movement exercises or racing competitions. The participants explained that indoor, outdoor and learning experiences facilitated EF skills such as self-regulation, working memory and cognitive flexibility during structured play. There is a need for preschool teachers to identify EF in the curriculum and know how to link and intentionally include the skills in daily learning experiences. This will ensure learners acquire EF and apply it in formal learning environments. The contribution to the body of scholarship is the development of guidelines for teachers to intentionally and explicitly develop EF skills using structured play. We confer that teachers play a role in enabling fun, engaging and hands-on activities that promote the acquisition of EF in the early years.

Language: English

DOI: 10.4102/sajce.v12i1.1141

ISSN: 2223-7682

Language: English

ISSN: 1071-6246

Language: English

ISSN: 1522-9734

Language: English

Published: New York City, New York, 2016