The Montessori approach to education endeavors to attain specific outcomes. These qualities of Montessori learners are evident in various degrees at each program level. Montessori principles and some indicators of attainment of the outcomes are listed.
INDEPENDENCE
- freedom within limits
- self selection of opportunities for constructive work
- care of environment
- care of self
- development of inner discipline
- internalization of the work cycle and strategies
- appropriate decisions regarding when to work alone or when to work with others
- learn through errors with self-correcting materials
- opportunities for both large muscle and small muscle development
- grace and courtesy
CONFIDENCE AND COMPETENCE
- respect for child’s efforts
- experience success
- capable of self-correcting work upon observation, reflection, or discussion
- manage array of tasks and activities with a clear sense of purpose
- prepared to enter next phase of education
- choices within limits that enable successful experiences
- sense of security in a caring environment
- environment with limits and expectations
- reflection and open-mindedness
- learn from mistakes
- respect creative process of others and willing to exchange ideas, information, and talents with peers
AUTONOMY
- understanding of each individuals desire to work alone or with others
- able to cultivate collaboration, cooperation, and negotiation skills in working with others
- able to accept or reject inclusion in another student’s work or work group with grace
- build self-confidence and a sense of self-worth
INTRINSIC MOTIVATION
- work is its own reward
- show confidence in accomplishments
- develop a love for learning
- experience sheer joy of doing things well
- develop self-esteem
- develop sense of dignity
- innate desire to initiate an activity for enjoyment and satisfaction
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
- freedom with the mutually agreed upon limits of the group
- clearly defined ground rules
- classroom community
- willful adherence to and enforcement of ground rules
- display independence and autonomy through respectful participation in group activity
- respect for self, others, and the environment
- aware that their words and actions impact others
ACADEMIC PREPARATION
- learn to learn by doing
- academic skills essential to learning and knowing, not the aim of learning and knowing
- acquire academic skills and apply the skills to learning strategies
- achieve, first perceptual ad then cognitive, understanding through manipulation of materials
- foster curiosity with endless opportunities to discover and explore
- wide variety of experiences and activities
- life-long learners
- learn how to integrate new concepts, analyze data, and think critically
SPIRITUAL AWARENESS
- respect for each other as individuals
- develop awareness of relationships that give every living thing a meaningful function in the larger system
- an interest in making a unique contribution to the cosmic plan
- promote and instill a sense of caring and sensitivity toward others
- develop compassion, empathy and sensitivity to the natural world and the human condition
GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP
- acquire civic virtue
- understanding the natural world and the necessity to cherish it, respect it, sustain it, and to live harmoniously within it
- awareness of the importance of stewardship
- awareness of the common needs of people of various cultures
