MONTESSORI vs. TRADITIONAL EDUCATION:
Montessori Education vs. Traditional Education: A Comparison
Montessori children are extremely adaptable. They have learned to work independently and in groups. Since they have been encouraged to make decisions from an early age, Montessori children are problem-solvers who have learned to make appropriate choices and manage their time well. They have been encouraged to exchange ideas and discuss their work freely with others. Their good communication skills ease the way in new settings.
Research has shown that the best predictor of future success is a positive sense of self-esteem. Montessori programs, based on self-directed, non-competitive activities, help children develop strong self-images and the confidence to face challenges and change with optimism.
Emphasis on cognitive structures and social development
Emphasis on rote knowledge and social developmentTeacher has unobtrusive role in classroom activity; child is an active participant in learning Teacher has dominant, active role in classroom activity; child is a passive participant in learning Environment and method encourage internal self-discipline Teacher acts as primary enforcer of external discipline Instruction, both individual and group, adapts to each student's learning style Instruction, both individual and group, conforms to the adult's teaching style Mixed age groups Same age groups Children are encouraged to teach, collaborate, and help each other Most teaching is done by teacher and collaboration is discouraged Child chooses own work from interests and abilities Curriculum structured for child with little regard for child's interest Child formulates own concepts from self-teaching materials Child is guided to concepts by teacher Child works as long as he/she wishes on chosen project Child generally given specific time limit for work Child sets own learning pace to internalize information Instruction pace usually set by group norm or teacher Child spots own errors through feedback from material If work is corrected, errors usually pointed out by teacher Learning is reinforced internally through the child's own repetition of an activity and internal feelings of success Learning is reinforced externally by rote repetition and rewards/discouragement Multi-sensory materials for physical exploration Fewer materials for sensory development and concrete manipulation Organized program for learning care of self and environment (polishing shoes, cleaning sink, etc.) Less emphasis on self-care instruction and classroom maintenance Child can work where he/she is comfortable, moves around and talks at will (yet disturbs not the work of others); group work is voluntary and negotiable Child is usually assigned own chair; encouraged to sit still and listen during group sessions Organized program for parents to understand the Montessori philosophy and participate in the learning, not participants in understanding the learning process Voluntary parent involvement, often only as fundraisers, process