Edutopia just published a great article on the ten most impactful educational research studies of 2025, and there are some interesting parallels with Montessori.
Limiting Technology in Favor of Hands-on Experiences
- Cell phone use in schools was determined to be detrimental. Keeping phones out of the classroom had positive impacts on student behavior and achievement. Here at BMS, we have never allowed cell phones in class. However, one way you could support this move to be more present in the classroom is by helping create even more space between screen stimulation and classroom time by avoiding screens before school.
- Handwriting rules! While there are advantages to typing and times when this may be the best choice, the physical handwriting has a positive impact on reading skills acquisition and learning and memory retention. It is “embodied learning.”
Movement Throughout the Day is Essential
- The research specifically looked at the length of recess (free play). Children who received 45 minutes of recess demonstrated higher happiness and social competency and had lower levels of stress (Cortisol). We are fortunate at BMS to have long recesses of at least 45 minutes as well as other opportunities to move throughout the day and regular learning outings.
- Also, microbreaks during the day are considered a breakthrough in student focus, and have always been an integral part of Montessori.
Relationships and a Sense of Community are Key
- Positive peer and teacher relationships lead to “higher academic achievement, improved behavior, better executive function and self-control, and greater feelings of belonging, motivation, and well-being.” The Montessori practice of multi-age classrooms and having the same teachers for three years helps to create a sense of community and care and yields opportunities for deeper relationships. Our use of Positive Discipline and our holistic learner outcomes forefront social-emotional learning and a sense of, as Montessori puts it, being a small but important part of an interconnected Universe.
- Additionally, teaching is about more than content. The relationships teachers build fuel how they respond to and support students as they get to know each individual.
Empower Children to be Independent
- Research shows that resisting the urge to jump in and help children with things they are likely to be able to struggle through and find success builds motivation, confidence, and a positive relationship with challenge. As Montessori said, “Never do for a child what [they are] capable of doing for [themselves].” Empowerment and success that feels owned by the student are foundational to fueling children through new challenges.
Read the whole article from Edutopia here:
https://www.edutopia.org/visual-essay/the-10-most-significant-education-studies-of-2025
