One of the underlying principles of the Montessori philosophy is freedom of choice. Within the work cycle, children have the option of choosing which materials they would like the practice or which topics they would like to research. This empowers them to make decisions which are in congruence with their personality and values, which creates happy and engaged learners. However, due to the importance of meeting prescribed learning outcomes and societal expectations, there are limits to this freedom. The degree of freedom given to a child depends on his or her level of self-discipline and ability to make responsible choices independently. With great freedom comes great responsibility.
Montessori students play an active role in their learning and are expected to take ownership of their studies. Therefore most of the planning occurs through one-on-one meetings with the teacher, who holds the student accountable. This is also an opportunity for him or her to express any concerns or ask for additional support. Scheduling meetings and work sessions with fellow classmates is also the responsibility of the student. As a result, the students develop crucial executive functioning skills, such as organization, time management, and prioritizing tasks. These soft skills will be invaluable in the long-run as the students continue their journey as life-long learners.