MONTESSORI LEARNER OUTCOMES
The Montessori approach to education endeavors to attain specific outcomes. The outcomes are based upon the following principles:
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
