Work Models

  1. Flow Model
  2. Sequence Model
  3. Artifact Model
  4. Cultural Model
  5. Physical Model
  6. Metaphors

Research

  1. Design Problem
  2. Literature Review
  3. Work Models
  4. Design Patterns
  5. Design Experiments
  6. Lesson Ideas
  7. Montessori Computes
  8. Thinking About Circles

Related Links

Patterns and Design

Montessori

Steps

After further ethnographic study, I plan to give step-by-step descriptions here of:

  • Preparation of the environment
  • Child and teacher initiated activity, children working alone, in pairs, or in groups with a range of activities
  • Teacher interventions.

These descriptions will help uncover patterns of use of materials and classroom layout.  According to Montessori, "the work of education is divided between the teacher and the environment." (Discovery of the Child, Clio Press, 1988, reprinted 1996 edition, p. 152).  Analysis of steps in tasks mentioned above will show how that division of labor plays out in particular classrooms, which will have implications for software designs.

Leone Learning Systems, Inc. (LLS) is a North Shore company that provides online courses for kids anywhere and local teaching and tutoring services for students in Chicago and the Northern Suburbs of Chicagoland. LLS also provides a free geometry software package for children age 6 and up, and free resources for teachers and parents. This site includes information about classes taught, availability for tutoring, learning activities for kids, lesson plans, and an ongoing software and curriculum research and development effort.