Date of Award

5-2015

Document Type

Action Research Project

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Education

Department

Education, Montessori

First Advisor

Irene Bornhorst

Department/School

Elementary Education, Montessori Early Childhood, Montessori Elementary Education

Abstract

The purpose of this report is to describe the findings of a study on how the implementation of the Accelerated Reader Program, use of five different management strategies, as well as the introduction of routines and rituals affects students' ability to create a normalized 1st through 3rd grade Montessori classroom. The research was conducted with a lower elementary Montessori classroom within a public school setting. More than half of the students had never experienced a Montessori environment. The data collecting methods used were a summative assessment, tally sheets, field notes, attitude scale inquiries, and semi-structured conversations with the students. The results of this research indicated only a marginal increase in a positive direction toward a normalized class. A large part of the difficulty in reaching a normalized class was due to the lack of ability to concentrate on work because of noise in the classroom. The implications of this action plan include reducing extraneous distractions, increasing positive reinforcement, and teaching more time management and self-monitoring skills.

Share

COinS