Open AccessExamining Montessori Middle School through a Self-Determination Theory Lens: A Mixed Methods Study of the Lived Experiences of Adolescents
Author(s) -
Luz Marie Casquejo Johnston
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of montessori research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2378-3923
DOI - 10.17161/jomr.v2i1.4994
Subject(s) - autonomy , narrative , psychology , perspective (graphical) , mathematics education , middle level , pedagogy , computer science , polarization (electrochemistry) , philosophy , linguistics , chemistry , artificial intelligence , political science , law
This study examined the influence of enrollment on the development of self-determination in a Montessori middle school. Bounded by self-determination and student voice theory, this research was designed to give voice to students, add to the discourse on middle school reform, and provide the perspective of the student to the critique of middle level education.Based on the analysis of narrative major themes indicated the importance of autonomy and relatedness. Students valued the ability to choose the order of their tasks and the tasks they could choose to demonstrate understanding as well as the ability to re-take tests. These changes require a paradigm shift to a student-centered learning environment.