Montessori Method

vs.Traditional Education

By: Tekera Stevens

The Montessori Method

The Montessori Method was developed by Dr. Maria Montessori in the late 19th century.

Montessori Method is a curriculum that is based on observing the child and focuses on self correcting materials and putting the child in touch with the environment

Maria Montessori

Characteristics of the Montessori Method

The Environment

The Children

The Teachers

•Child size furniture •30-35 children •Children divided into groups by age•Children allowed to explore•No grading system

•Work together and learn from each other•Challenged to their ability•Work freely•Remain with same group of children 3 yrs•Self-directed and independent

•Trained to recognize appropriate learning level•Serve as guide for child•Pay attention to the child•Let children learn at own pace•Provide the child with calm , uncluttered environment

A look inside the Montessori classroom

…

Traditional Education

Traditional education brings to mind a child sitting in a class with twenty or more students and the teacher seated at the front of the room.

The Public School System

Characteristics of Traditional Education

Children are all

around the same

age

Ignores learning styles and talents

First

school

choice

made

by many

parents

Standardized testing is the main focus

Provides children with opportunity to build social skills and meet others from diverse backgrounds

Crowded School

No one -on- one attention

Student teacher ratio

Safety

No religion in public schools

No quality education

Why Dissatisfaction with Traditional Education

•Many parents are opting to put their children in private schools, like Montessori schools

•Some parents choose to home school their children

•Most Americans agree that private schools such as Montessori schools do a better job than public schools at teaching students

•Most parents of public schools support private school education three to one

QUICK FACTS

Satisfaction with public schools in America:

Traditional

Education

Montessori Method

Child learns through own experience

Children work at tables

Multi age grouping

Non graded

Schedules and frequent interruptions

Children grouped by age

Teacher corrects student errors

COMPARING THE TWO

Unlike Montessori, public education focuses on intelligence rather than learning styles and talents. Students are taught how to succeed on standardized tests resulting in no actual learning.

As a parent which one would you choose?