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].
Contents
- 1Montessori Quotes on Intrinsic Motivation
- 2Research and Critiques on Intrinsic Motivation
- 3Comparison to Other Methods
- 4Glossary of Montessori Terms
- 5Please help to translate this page into your local language
- 6References
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”