Date of Award

12-2023

Document Type

Action Research Project

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Education

Department

Education, Montessori

First Advisor

Jennifer Johnson

Department/School

Education

Abstract

This action research study aimed to analyze the impact of direct social-emotional lessons on students' emotional intelligence in a Montessori upper elementary classroom. This study explored the impact of combining social-emotional vocabulary with social-emotional learning (SEL) skill development. The study used quantitative and qualitative data, including pre- and post-assessments, follow-up work, observation logs, and SEL elements added to the students’ weekly work plans. SEL curriculum materials and follow-up work were created for this study following the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) framework and their SAFE acronym: sequenced, active, focused, and explicit. The data showed that teaching SEL vocabulary and the five competencies’ qualities positively impacted student understanding and SEL skill development. Based on these results, Montessori teachers could positively impact students' emotional intelligence, normalization in the classroom, and overall student well-being by integrating SEL lessons into the cosmic curriculum.

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