Binda Goldsbrough Research Fund

In 2011 MANZ began focusing on a new strategic plan. One of the three strategic aims is to empower MANZ member schools to deliver excellent Montessori programmes. An essential aspect is supporting Montessori research in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Each year MANZ sets aside a Research Fund to provide a practical means of supporting Montessori research in New Zealand.

Individual and School Members of MANZ can apply for the Binda Goldsbrough Research Fund.

To find out more about applying for funds to support centre or classroom-based inquiry or postgraduate research CLICK HERE to download an application form or email ce@montessori.org.nz.

Applications close on 31 May 2024.

Recipients of the Binda Goldsbrough Research Fund

2021 – Abbie Merdith, Auckland

How teaching independence through Montessori education supports the child’s psychological development.
Abbie application is to conduct research in both Montessori Units and private Montessori schools to examine independence promotion.

2018 – Jane McLeod, Queenstown

Re-positioning the Montessori Method Within a Mathematics Approach
Jane’s study will be a pilot case study that revisits the Montessori mathematics in the 3-6 year environments to reinforce the foundational outcomes these activities offer.

2017 – Carol Palmer, Wellington

Carol’s application is to extend the work she has been doing on developing a primary kaiako Montessori Handwork Album. She is taking her work, to date, to the AMI World Congress in Prague. This is to introduce her research outcomes to trainers and to seek advice and guidance on how to proceed.

2017 – Amira Beadsmoore, Auckland

Montessori in Mainstream – community dynamics explored.
Amira’s application is to explore the dominant model for 6-12 Montessori education in NZ, a Montessori unit/classroom integrated into a mainstream state school environment, and the challenges and advantages of this dual-family relationship.

2016 – Carol Palmer, Wellington

Carol Palmer, Wa Ora Montessori School application was to create the first section of a well-researched and extensively tested Montessori Handwork Album that would be usable in any 6 -12 class without needing prior knowledge of the subject area. It gives sequenced lessons and kaiako instructions on several methods of crafting, with wool serving as the prototype section for the further sections in the album to be based on.

2012 – Ed Stanford, Auckland

Ed Stanford, Titoki Montessori School, applied to the research fund in 2012 and was given a small grant to fund the Montessori book club for parents. Ed conducted his inquiry in late 2012 and presented his findings at the research symposium at the MANZ 2013 Conference in Wellington. He has written up his findings and reflected on his experience conducting a small research project.

You can find his presentation online at http://tinyurl.com/MANZbookclub