Date of Award

5-2019

Document Type

Action Research Project

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Education

Department

Education, Montessori

First Advisor

Syneva Barrett

Department/School

Montessori Early Childhood, Montessori Elementary Education

Abstract

This action research project examined how the incorporation of outdoor activities impacted the concentration of children in a primary Montessori classroom. Twenty-one children, between the ages of three and six years old, participated in the research for six weeks. The researcher facilitated daily morning nature walks for the whole group, as well as, invited children to participate in individual and small group presentations on outdoor work. The researcher collected data using daily observational notes and observational tally sheets, a self-reflection journal, and a post-implementation student survey. The data numbers reflect an increase in concentration during the study. Pre-intervention, 72% of children showed signs of concentration and the average weekly percentage of children concentrating throughout the study was 87%. At a 13-17% increase, the change was substantial and reflects a positive outcome. The action plan concludes future researchers may consider incorporating fewer outdoor activities at once or extend the time frame of the intervention.

Download

Share

COinS