Self-directed and self-motivated learning are important aspects of the Montessori method. They recognize each child’s curiosity and creativity and strive to encourage and reward these traits.
Self-motivated learning is about seeking information based on internal motivations, such as interests and desires, as opposed to external forces like directions from an instructor. When children are taught to learn only through explicit directions from others, it can impact their ability and desire to learn independently.
What happens when they’re no longer in school? They may not be driven to continue learning and growing throughout their lives. Conversely, when children develop internal motivations to learn and the confidence to self-direct as they explore the world, they can become successful learners for life.
The Montessori primary program, suitable for preschool and kindergarten ages, is structured to support self-motivated learning. Here’s a look at the tools and techniques it uses to achieve this goal.
How a Montessori Primary Program Inspires Self-Motivated Learning
Montessori schools are concerned with more than just introducing children to academia. They also seek to support whole-child development and to create a strong foundation for lifelong learning. This starts with fostering a self-motivated approach to learning through prepared environments, independence, and a focus on individual progress.
Environments that Encourage Exploration
When children enter a Montessori primary program, they’re placed in accessible environments. These spaces are designed to provide developmentally appropriate structure and support for successful self-directed learning.
Prepared environments feature furnishings, tools, and a setting sized for children so they never feel like wanted items or activities are out of reach. This encourages independent exploration within a safe environment so kids can build confidence in themselves and their abilities, fostering an ingrained and enduring motivation to learn.
Dedication to Nurturing Independence
Humans are learning creatures, and children are especially curious about the world around them. Naturally, adults are tasked with keeping children safe as they learn to live in the world and participate in society.
However, helping children become functional and capable adults starts with allowing them to make choices and build confidence in their decision-making abilities from a young age. The Montessori method fosters independence by offering the freedom to choose activities through self-directed learning and play.
Support of Individual Progress
Traditional academia expects all students to reach set benchmarks at the same time, but children learn and develop in different ways. The Montessori primary philosophy revolves around individual pacing.
This removes the pressures of conforming to age-driven standards that can leave some children struggling to keep up while others are unnecessarily prevented from advancing. The individual pacing methodology serves to help children develop belief in their abilities.
When students feel like they’re failing, it can impact their perceived confidence or the belief that they are only skilled at certain activities. This, in turn, can adversely impact self-confidence, leaving children hesitant to explore natural curiosities for risk of failure.
Even small accomplishments can help to build a child’s self-esteem and drive continued growth and a love of learning. An environment that allows children to learn at their own pace, with an emphasis on self-directed activities, recognizes the importance of individual progress as a foundation for confident and self-motivated students.
Self-Motivated Learning Drives Confidence and Success
Every child deals with successes and failures in different ways. However, parents and teachers have some influence in shaping the narrative.
The Montessori primary environment and philosophy are designed to encourage young children to try new things and learn at their own pace. The goal is to have them base their self-esteem on effort and progress rather than standardized markers of achievement.
Are you interested in how Montessori West can help your child gain confidence through a self-motivated learning environment? Contact us now to learn more.
