Intrinsic Motivation (Montessori)

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Intrinsic motivation, a key concept in Montessori education, refers to the act of engaging in an activity purely for the enjoyment and fulfillment it brings, rather than as a means to an external reward or outcome[1].

Montessori classrooms cultivate intrinsic motivation by providing children with the freedom to choose their own activities and learn at their own pace. The idea is that children are naturally curious and eager to learn, and when they are given the freedom to pursue their interests, they will be motivated to engage deeply with their work[2].

Montessori Quotes on Intrinsic Motivation

"The goal of early childhood education should be to activate the child's own natural desire to learn."

— Maria Montessori, "The Absorbent Mind"

Research and Critiques on Intrinsic Motivation

Pro

Research suggests that Montessori education effectively nurtures children's intrinsic motivation, contributing to better learning outcomes and more positive attitudes towards school[3]. Some studies have shown that children in Montessori environments exhibit higher levels of intrinsic motivation than their peers in traditional school settings[4].

Cons

Critics may argue that focusing solely on intrinsic motivation may not prepare children for real-world situations where extrinsic motivators, such as deadlines or rewards, are common[5].

There is also concern that allowing children to follow their own interests may lead to gaps in their knowledge or skills if they avoid challenging or uninteresting tasks[6].

Comparison to Other Methods

While traditional education often relies heavily on extrinsic rewards, such as grades and praise, to motivate students, Montessori emphasizes the development of intrinsic motivation. The Montessori environment encourages children to learn for the joy of learning itself, rather than for external rewards or recognition[7].

Glossary of Montessori Terms

The Glossary of Montessori Terms is a collection of specific terms and vocabulary that are related to the Montessori method of education, primarily focusing on the theory and practice for children aged 3 to 6. The jargon used by Montessori educators offers a unique insight into child development as discussed by Maria Montessori. The 'Montepedia Glossary of Montessori Terms' originated from a glossary that was compiled by the late Annette Haines from the Montessori Training Centre of St. Louis, at the request of Molly O'Shaughnessy from the Montessori Centre of Minnesota. The reason behind the creation of this glossary was to supplement O'Shaughnessy's lecture at the Joint Annual Refresher Course that took place in Tampa, Florida, in February 2001.[8] The glossary has since been expanded and updated with additional 'Montessori Terms'.

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References

  1. ↑ Rathunde, K., & Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2005). Middle school students' motivation and quality of experience: A comparison of Montessori and traditional school environments. American Journal of Education, 111(3), 341-371.
  2. ↑ Lillard, A. S. (2017). Montessori: The science behind the genius. Oxford University Press.
  3. ↑ Rathunde, K., & Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2005). Middle school students' motivation and quality of experience: A comparison of Montessori and traditional school environments. American Journal of Education, 111(3), 341-371.
  4. ↑ Lillard, A. S., & Else-Quest, N. (2006). The early years: Evaluating Montessori education. Science, 313(5795), 1893-1894.
  5. ↑ Gopnik, A. (2016). The gardener and the carpenter: What the new science of child development tells us about the relationship between parents and children. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
  6. ↑ Lopata, C., Wallace, N. V., & Finn, K. V. (2005). Comparison of academic achievement between Montessori and traditional education programs. Journal of Research in Childhood Education, 20(1), 5-13.
  7. ↑ Montessori, M. (1966). The secret of childhood. Ballantine Books.
  8. ↑ Haines, A. (2001). Glossary of Montessori Terms. Montessori Training Centre of St. Louis.
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