Montessori Education vs. Traditional Education

Some Comparisons of Montessori Education with Traditional Education 

Montessori Education

Children learn at their own pace and following their own individual interests. Child is an active participant in learning Children teach themselves using materials specially prepared for the purpose Mixed-age groups Understanding comes through the child’s own experiences via the materials and the promotion of children’s ability to find things out for themselves Child can work, move around and talk at will without disturbing others' work. The teacher works in collaboration with the children Child reinforces own learning by repetition of work and internal feelings of success Environment and method encourage internal self-discipline Child works as long as they wish on chosen projects during uninterrupted work cycles Child discovers his own concepts ​Working and learning matched to the social development of the child Shared emphasis on intellectual, social, emotional and spiritual development​ Shared focus on the acquisition of academic, social, practical and life skills

Traditional Education

Children learn from a set curriculum according to a time frame that is the same for everyone Child is a passive participant in learning Children are taught by the teacher Same age groups Learning is based on subjects and during a specific amount of time. Child usually assigned own chair and required to participate, sit still and listen to Group Lessons. The class is teacher-led Learning is reinforced externally by repetition and rote memorization of facts Teacher acts as primary enforcer of external discipline Child generally given specific time limit for work; in block time or period lessons Child is given concepts by the teacher Working and learning without emphasis on the social development of the child Main emphasis on intellectual development​ Main focus is on academics