Biology, a living science, is known as a balance and complement among other branches of science. Just like the science of biology, biology as a course also plays a very important role among other courses at all school types and grades. It is thought that the adults of the future should not be deprived of knowledge in the field of biology and…

In this talk, Linda Davis discusses observation at the adolescent level. She explains that we must "adjust our approach for the third plane of development, for when they are becoming adults." Using examples, she discusses the characteristics of this plane, which are helpful to recall when thinking about what to expect when observing…

Annette Haines provides a comprehensive overview of concentration across the planes. She first lays the foundation for thinking about student engagement: It must be understood that concentration is found through the interest of the child, which is guided by the sensitive periods. When we understand the child's development in this way, we can offer…

The purpose of this study is to present a cross-cultural description of responses to the Adolescent Intermediate Concepts Measure (hereafter the AD-ICM). Since the introduction of the AD-ICM, the measure has been used multiple times in the US, in The Republic of Macedonia, Taiwan, and the UK. Focusing on these data, the proposed paper session…

During the process of conceptualizing the school of which she is the founding principal, Denver Montessori Junior/Senior High School, Katy Myers' driving question was, "What exactly is Montessori high school?" Her answer to this question gets to the heart of the mission of many Montessori high schools. She concluded that her high school…

As with the other case studies in this journal, Ben Moudry and Andrew Christopherson present a vision of a Montessori high school that is focused on fostering the adolescent personality in connection to society. This chapter uses concrete examples of the key experiences and programs that provide the adolescents at The Grove School with this goal…

This study examined the influence of peer crowd affiliation on subsequent engagement, peer classroom support, and school belonging during middle school (N=202, 61% females). Students self-identified actual and aspiring peer crowd affiliation (Athletes, Academics, Others) in the fall, and engagement, peer support, and belonging in the fall and…

This study investigates whether the relationship between participation in school-organized sports and youth development is similar for both heterosexual students and those who identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual. Utilizing a survey of 72,004 high schoolers, results suggest sports participation enhances a sense of support and developmental skill…

Laurie Ewert-Krocker emphasizes the teacher's role in nature's prepared environment. Without directing or controlling the child's work, learning spaces can be maximized for concentration by connecting the adolescent's intrinsic learning to the beauty and order of the natural world. The most artful balance is the global understanding of the…

Problem Statement: In our modern society, a burst of interest to the regularities of "children and parents" relations and development of personality in the context of a family has acquired. Research Questions: The family plays the main role in the formation of moral principles of a child. Purpose of the Study: The problem of relations of…

Early adolescents undergo immense developmental changes which consequently impact their middle level educational experiences. These changes are also mediated through social forces such as race, class, gender, and sexuality. Despite the intersection of early adolescent development with social and institutional forces, critical concepts such as race…

Defining what it means to be in the "bosom of nature," to use Montessori's words, Laurie Ewert-Krocker points out that the adolescent period of storm and stress is quelled by the natural world. But most important, when socialization is the essential developmental focus of the young adolescent, positive social organization is fostered by…

A theory paper that gives a universal portrait of the "noble adolescent" directly quotes from Montessori. Pat Ludick defines the adolescent as they search for their future roles in a changing world, seek a happy life, form a compatible and collaborative personality, learn humility, and become aware of the head-heart duality. The…

This research examines the relationship between career related self-concept and dimensions of informal learning of science. The overlapping dimensions of career interest development and informal learning suggest that self-directed informal learning of science can advance individual self-concept for "possible scientific self." Possible…

Teenage magazine content, after decades, continues to complicate decision making in the communication of the young, impressionable girls who read them. Previous research has indicated that teenagers can be negatively influenced by the media, including teen magazines (e.g., Redcross, 2003; Milkie, 2002; Durham, 2008; Lamb & Brown, 2006). These…