The Montessori method and its impact on intrinsic motivation and social-emotional development in the United States: a review

Abstract

This literature review compiles past studies that examine the effects of a Montessori education vs. the U.S. standard education. Maria Montessori was an Italian doctor who specialized in pediatrics. Over the course of her career, she created her pedagogy, which became widely known as the Montessori method. Her educational method became popular for its ability to coincide with the stages of childhood development. The more the educational method coincides with these stages of development, the more the child benefits. These benefits can be seen in the social and emotional development of the child, as well as the development of intrinsic motivation. The studies that examined the effect of intrinsic motivation concluded that the Montessori education instills a better sense of intrinsic motivation due to their mastery-based learning approach, rather than standard education performance-based learning. Montessori education also benefits children in their social development. In studies that looked at the social development of children in a Montessori school vs. U.S. public schools, the Montessori students had better social skills and emotional regulation, compared to the public school group. This is because Montessori education better aligns with the developmental needs of children, providing them with the space to flourish developmentally and not be inhibited by a curriculum that blocks these needs. While there is a lack of literature discussing which education benefits children, the existing literature concludes that Montessori education benefits children the most.