4429 research outputs found
Sort by
Improving Assessment Outcomes in Algebra and Functions Through Concrete Materials and Direct Instruction
Get PDFCritical thinking consists of the mental processes, strategies, and representations individuals use to solve problems, make decisions, and learn new concepts. We observed our 6th-year students struggling with algebra functions and problem-solving. These observations motivated us to engage in active research to improve the students\u27 critical thinking and problem-solving skills. We administered interventions that supported the language transfer between traditional mathematical language and Montessori mathematical terms. We utilized direct instruction with concrete algebra materials to lead the students to abstract work in algebra. We also used formal assessments and observations to decide what lessons the students should get next. Our explicit instruction included Hands-On Equations created by Borenson to provide students with a concrete representation of algebraic skills and guide them to abstract understanding. This action research occurred within an Upper Elementary Montessori classroom and included seven 6th-year students aged 11 to 12. Two Montessori co-teachers conducted the study within eight weeks during January and February of 2022. Overall, students showed improvement on assessments, enhanced interest in math, and increased confidence when utilizing their problem-solving skills on problems involving newly learned concepts
The Effects of Outdoor Education and Mindfulness Practices on Attention Issues of Third Graders
Get PDFThis action research project studied the effects of outdoor education and mindfulness practices on students with ADHD and generalized attention issues. The researcher conducted the study for six weeks from September to November 2021. There were thirty-eight students participating in the study from a private school in Minnesota. The intervention consisted of weekly outdoor lessons and mindfulness practices. Data sources included a pre-survey, behavioral data collection, field notes and observations, a final exam, and a post-survey. This study found that outdoor education and mindfulness practices greatly improved behavioral outcomes in students. There were no significant changes in the academic outcomes. In future studies, educators could create a school-wide mindfulness and outdoor learning intervention so students get more exposure. The academic outcomes could be researched further by using a pretest before the interventions are implemented to compare the data afterward
Self-Efficacy and Critical Race Theory: The Emotions and Identity of a Montessori Teacher
Get PDFThis action research project investigated how anti-critical race theory (CRT) legislation in public education has impacted the perceived self-efficacy and emotions of one Montessori educator. This 4- week self-study consisted of daily assigned reading, weekly media, and a weekly conversation to aid in multicultural critical reflective practice (MCRP). Data was measured using a pre-and post- self assessment on Qualtrics, a daily mood app, and daily critical journal reflections. The pre-and post assessment demonstrated an increase in self-efficacy to speak with confidence about the origins of CRT in education research. Daily critical journal reflections displayed an increase in the ability to critically reflect on the educator’s own positionality, suggesting that daily critical engagement with material aimed at increasing awareness of racial inequities in education builds confidence and empathy in educators. Further research should include small groups of teachers utilizing this intervention for professional development, longer or shorter daily intervention, a biometric measurement in place of the daily mood measurement, and follow-up assessments over a longer study period to determine the lasting effects of the intervention. This research has impacted my future in education both personally and professionally, with confidence in my critical thinking skills and greater awareness of how my positionality interacts with structural inequities within education as my greatest perceived benefits
Gratitude and Work Conferences in the Upper Elementary Montessori Classroom
Get PDFOver 100 years ago, Maria Montessori created her educational method. The Montessori philosophy of teaching is still thriving in the educational world today. This method incorporates peace, gratitude, and intrinsic motivation directly woven into the philosophy of teaching. This paper will cover three aims; (1) identify how gratitude affects students’ attitude towards learning 2) how daily work conferences affect students overall work completion, and (3) examine how strong parental involvement indicates student success. This paper will provide strong reviews of the Montessori education, and how the strategies of the philosophy impact work completion within the classroom. Gratitude is heavily present in the grace and courtesy aspect of the Montessori philosophy. The school in which the study was conducted implemented a gratitude theme for the school year, this theme easily connected and carried over to the research study
The Impact of Mindfulness Activities on Teacher Stress and Student Behavior in a Second Grade Classroom
Get PDFTeachers experience high levels of stress due to the demands of their profession. The purpose of this study is to determine how engaging in ten minutes of mindfulness each day can affect teacher stress and student behavior in a. The researcher-participant was a female teacher in a private, suburban school. Five days a week for six week, the participant engaged in at least ten minutes of mindfulness per day, recording her stress levels before and after the intervention each day and weekly through different means of data collection. The study used pre-, mid-, and post-intervention questionnaires, daily journals, weekly questionnaires, and behavior frequency tracking charts to track stress levels and student behavior. The intervention findings show an overall decrease in teacher stress resulting from student misbehavior and a decrease in the frequency of three common student misbehaviors. Future research should consider tracking common student misbehaviors during morning and afternoon instruction to notice how the time of day also affects student behavior
The Effect of Differentiation on Literacy Performance in Kindergarten
Get PDFAbstract
This action research aimed to determine the effects of differentiation of instruction on literacy comprehension skills. Kindergarten students from a public elementary school in the Midwestern United States participated in this 6-week study. Throughout this time, many points of data were collected. Pre-and post-testing were used to measure students’ comprehension skills before and after each mini-unit, teacher reflections were used to take notes of student progress, and observations of student engagement were noted throughout each lesson. An increase in students\u27 literacy comprehension skills was observed throughout the study, therefore, inferring that differentiation can work to impact student academics. Through this research, I have found that students\u27 engagement in learning varies considerably based on their interests and desires. In addition, students are much more successful in comprehending information after engaging with it in multiple ways. Further research should include more extensive and more diverse classrooms. This research works to inform my practice as a teacher as I continue to find ways to integrate differentiation into neurodiverse classrooms to help all students learn to their fullest potential. Keywords: Differentiation, neurodiverse, kindergarte
The Relationship Between Multisensory Learning and Phonemic Awareness and Letter Identification in Kindergarten
Get PDFThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the relationship between multisensory learning and phonemic awareness and letter identification in Kindergarten. The researcher wanted to determine the positive or negative correlation between a multisensory approach to teaching and a student’s overall ability to increase retention capabilities. The seven-week intervention took place in an elementary school located in the Midwest. The intervention participants were six Kindergarten students from the researcher’s classroom. The students were selected based on their past assessment data, specifically regarding letter names/sounds. Instructional methods used were small group, teacher lead, hands on activities that qualified as a multisensory approach. Data was collected in the form of assessments that focused on letter names/sounds, student created journal pages and informal teacher observations that were recorded in shorthand in the teacher journal. Results support the theory that multisensory teaching methods positively affect a student’s ability to increase his/her letter names/sounds identification skills. There is reason to believe that using the multisensory approach to teaching has positive effects and could be replicated in future interventions
Creating Policies and Procedure for Employees Working with Individuals Post-incarceration
Get PDFNot availabl
Creativity as a Gateway to Mental Health: A Burnout Recovery Journey
Get PDFThis research explored creativity and flow state as a means of overcoming symptoms of burnout and supporting mental wellness. In this self-study the subject participated in creating art using a variety of media for seven weeks. Additionally, the subject kept multiple streams of data to closely examine the main symptoms of stress and burnout, including an in-depth look at sleep patterns. Other data collected included flow achievement, pre and post study surveys, daily journals, and individual session check-ins. Data suggested that over the seven-week period, sleep became more regular and the subject felt better immediately after participating in creative activities. Additional research over a longer period of time, along with a holistic recovery plan, may prove to be a form of stress reduction and burnout recovery
Integrating Montessori Curriculum with State Standards in a Public Montessori School
Get PDFThis action research aimed to highlight the benefits of integrating the Montessori Math Curriculum with State Standards in an upper elementary classroom. The performance of the action research took place over six weeks at a public Montessori school. There were seventeen upper elementary participants. Documentation used in this action research was a tally sheet for observable use of Montessori math material, school weekly lesson plans, teacher observation and reflection notes, and student and parent Pre and Post Math Interest Surveys. All lessons were given daily during the morning hours according to the school master\u27s schedule. Some positive effects of this action research include changes in student feelings towards math and increased autonomy. For clarity in other areas, extend the action research period beyond six weeks to allow more students to practice with Montessori lessons meeting various standards