An experiential learning environment is geared towards providing students with the ideal circumstances where they can experience first-hand learning. This requires a creative approach from teachers and the use of a lot of innovation in the teaching style. Lessons within an experiential learning classroom are often filled with child-centred hands-on activities where students take the lead in the learning process and teachers play the role of facilitators who help and guide whenever needed. As experiential learners, students regularly engage in real-world problem solving that helps them feel better integrated in the world and earns them a sense of accomplishment.

Children are more motivated to learn when they get to work on something of their own choosing. A Montessori student may choose her focus of learning on any given day, but her decision is limited by the materials and activities that her teacher has prepared and presented to her.
Freedom is given to children, but within limits. Children have lots of activities to choose from. They use materials and put them back for the next person to use. This teaches responsibility to children. Goals are already set and activities presented and taught, but there is freedom for children to choose what they want to do.