There are major differences between Montessori and traditional school which many out there do not or have failed to know and realize. The Montessori school or education is never the same as the traditional educational structures. This is so because of diverse reasons which we shall be dissecting in this content as pieces of enlightenment.
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Montessori
Montessori school method is a type of educational method that involves children’s natural interests and activities rather than formal teaching methods. A Montessori classroom places an emphasis on hands-on learning and developing real-world skills. Are you looking for Montessori toys made exactly for your child’s developmental stage?
Montessori education emphasizes independence and it views children as naturally eager for knowledge and capable of initiating learning in a sufficiently supportive and well-prepared learning environment. It discourages some conventional measures of achievement, such as grades and tests.
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Traditional
Meanwhile, the traditional method of education refers to long-established customs that society has traditionally used in schools. Some forms of education reform promote the adoption of progressive education practices, and a more holistic approach which focuses on individual students’ needs; academics, mental health, and social-emotional learning.
Traditional teacher-centered methods focused on rote learning and memorization must be abandoned in favor of student centered and task-based approaches to learning. The primary purpose of traditional education is to continue passing on those skills, facts, and standards of moral and social conduct that adults consider to be necessary for the next generation’s material advancement.
Students in traditional schools are expected to docilely and obediently receive and believe these fixed answers. Teachers are the instruments by which this knowledge is communicated and these standards of behavior are enforced.
Few Other Differences between Montessori and Traditional School
Having checked the basic discrepancies that define the traditional method of education ad that of the Montessori method education, let check out the other difference between Montessori and traditional school:
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No Interruptions
Because Montessori teachers model respect, they respect a child’s concentration. If a student is deeply engaged in their lesson, teachers allow them to finish what they’re working on. Unlike traditional classrooms where students are directed through each activity regardless of their interest level, Montessori avoids interrupting children’s workflow as much as possible.
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Beauty and Decorations
In the Montessori preschool classroom, the room is divided into five subject areas: Practical Life, Language, Mathematics, Sensorial Development, and Culture & Sciences. The classroom is organized and uncluttered to avoid distraction and emphasize that this is a learning space. While traditional classrooms use bright colors, posters, and decorations to try and excite children, Montessori classrooms aim to stimulate children’s minds with quality lessons.
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Modeled Manners
Teaching children manners and values involves so much more than just teaching them to say “please” and “thank you.” Montessori teachers know that children are always watching them, so they model good behavior to inspire it in their students. Adults in the Montessori philosophy must always act as they want the children to act—respectful and mindful of others’ feelings.
Read Also: Important Information About Early Education
Besides modeling good behavior, Montessori teachers also discuss children’s feelings to develop their emotional intelligence. They ask questions that help children learn compassion and empathy. Simply put, “thank you” and “I’m sorry” are not enough for a Montessori child. They must also understand the sincerity behind those words.
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Special Care
Children with ADHD or children on the autism spectrum thrive in environments with set schedules. Fortunately, while the Montessori curriculum is adaptable, the everyday routine is fairly consistent. Like we mentioned above, the Montessori classroom is more organized and has less distractions than the typical American preschool classroom.
Children on the spectrum or with ADHD also benefit from the Montessori philosophy of modeling behavior. Because empathy and social skills are a part of the de facto curriculum, children with autism will be better prepared to interact in social settings.
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Teacher’s Care
Rather than preparing a child for the classroom, teachers prepare the classroom for the child. By observing children and taking note of their interests and levels of understanding, Montessori teachers unveil the unique potential in every child. They keep record of improvements, readiness, and subject interests so that they may draw on the information later when preparing the curriculum for the day.
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Encouragement to Love Learning
In the traditional classroom, children learn to pass tests. In the Montessori classroom, however, we foster a lifelong love of learning in children so that they enjoy and value their education, especially later in life. The lessons are not mandatory per se. Instead, students are free to approach different topics they most want to learn. Teachers give students choices, so that while they are directed, they have personal autonomy.
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Hands-On Lessons
Rather than sitting passively during lessons, students take an active role in their education. They have the responsibility to approach the subjects they are interested in, so, by design, they are extremely engaged in the lessons. With Montessori preschool classes, the lessons often consist of physical materials—children can literally be “hands-on” with math and language skills.
