Designing a Logic Model to Inform Montessori Research

Abstract

Montessori education has a long history, but its recent growth in American public schools has led to increased interest in research efforts, particularly in exploring the potential of the Montessori experience to moderate the effects of poverty and in gathering data to evaluate public investment in Montessori schools. To assist research efforts, this paper introduces a comprehensive visual model, or logic model, that depicts the core components, underlying assumptions, and intended outcomes of the Montessori approach. Logic modeling, which results in a visual representation depicting the connections among a program’s inputs, primary activities, and outcomes, is often used in program planning and research to provide a common framework from which to work. Developed over a 3-year period by a collaborative group of experienced Montessori researchers and practitioners, the Logic Model for Montessori Education presented in this paper is a valuable tool for researchers with the potential to lay a foundation across disciplines for future research that is both rigorous and systematic in its measurement of Montessori processes and outcomes.

Montessori Education at a Distance, Part 2

“…Initial posts and responses were copied into an Excel file and imported into NVivo software (R1). Initial coding used provisional coding (Saldaña, 2009) based on the Programming Across Levels section of the logic model presented by Culclasure et al (2019). Additional codes emerged that related specifically to the pandemic situation, including shared resources, administrative topics, community, technology, sharing and locating resources, and teacher emotions.…”

“…This problem-and practice-centered orientation is particularly important in light of the very real challenges teachers faced in the spring of 2020, with consequences that will be felt for years. We structured the theoretical framework of this mixed-methods study around the Montessori logic model, which documents the inputs, programming, and outcomes that comprise the Montessori educational process (Culclasure et al, 2019). We focused on the core of the logic model, or the program implementation portion, which helps to "consider and prioritize" the most critical program aspects (W. K. Kellogg Foundation, 2004, p. 5).…”

“…Montessori education is a unique approach involving the use of specially designed hands-on learning materials, child-directed work, peer learning, and a carefully prepared classroom environment (Culclasure et al, 2019). Montessori schools were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, as all schools were in spring 2020.…”

Montessori Education at a Distance, Part 1

“…While the literature regarding educational changes in response to a global pandemic is only now being written, key elements of Montessori practice are documented in a Montessori logic model published in 2019 (Culclasure et al, 2019). The model organizes key inputs, programming, and outputs of Montessori education.…”

“…These goals include children sustaining focus while pursuing purposeful activities that they expect to result in selfdiscipline and knowledge, as well as confidence, initiative, and a positive attitude toward school. Other important goals revolve around interpersonal outcomes, such as compassion for others and becoming a contributing member of the classroom community and society at large (Culclasure et al, 2019).…”