Uses Havighurst's 11 developmental tasks for normal adolescence as a basis for a discussion of the prepared environment for the adolescent; tasks include adjusting to a new physical self and intellectual abilities, establishing adult vocational goals, and establishing emotional and psychological independence from parents. Considers the needs and…

Reviews current literature--noting limitations--and provides observations regarding the impact on learning of six physical attributes of the Montessori prepared environment: aesthetics, spatial factors, light, noise, color, and temperature. Suggests guidelines for Montessori classrooms. Concludes by asserting that considering these six…

Describes "occupation" as a Montessori term, which the Hershey Montessori Farm School, in Huntsburg, Ohio, has adopted for any task arising from the needs of the farm that then generates a scientific or historic study. Includes lists of occupations pursued during 2000-2001 and samples of record forms students used to manage their work.…

Discusses the important influence of nursery school design on the learning experiences of preschool children, focusing on the design of the "Haus Der Kinder," an all-day Montessori preschool that operated in Vienna in the 1930s. Notes the importance of a homelike atmosphere and a variety of room layouts and furniture. (MDM)

This study compared the time use and perceptions of schools, teachers, and friends of approximately 290 demographically matched students in Montessori and traditional middle schools. We used the Experience Sampling Method (ESM) and questionnaires and conducted multivariate analyses showing that the Montessori students (a) reported more positive…

Compares the developmental characteristics of early and middle adolescents and identifies elements necessary to a Montessori secondary program. Describes implementation at middle and high school levels in one Texas school, with elements relating to community building and student leadership; responsibility for learning and assessment; academic…

The language immersion approach of the Intercultural Montessori School (Oak Park, Illinois) for children aged 2-6 years is described and discussed. An introductory section gives background information on early work with immersion by Maria Montessori, a personal experience leading to the school's establishment, and the response of language and…

Provides preliminary draft of proposal to kindle thought about what a Montessori secondary school could look like. Suggests ways to think about integrating a farm model and its extensions to adolescent students. Emphasizes the universality of work, the nature of commitment and contribution, the meaning of community, and an optimistic view of…

Premised on the view that students with more years of Montessori education (MEY) would possess to a higher degree those qualities emphasized in the Montessori environment and that Montessori students would be as successful as students more traditionally educated, this report presents the final assessment for the Longitudinal Assessment Study,…