9 Differences Between Montessori and Traditional Education

Despite the fact that Montessori education has been around for more than 100 years, many people don't know much about it. Even fewer understand how it differs from common or traditional education methods. The differences are what make Montessori education stand out.

Here are 9 differences between Montessori and traditional education:

1. The Prepared Environment. Montessori classrooms are prepared in advance based on observations of students’ individual needs. They include student-centered lessons and activities. Traditional classrooms are based on teacher-centered lessons or activities.
2. Hands-on Learning. Montessori lessons are hands-on activities as students discover information for themselves. Teachers in conventional education often give lessons from the front of the classroom to students who listen, memorize, and take tests.
3. Time to Learn. In the Montessori classroom, children are allowed to work on lessons until they master them, at their own pace, and interruptions are minimized. Time is limited by arbitrary schedules in traditional classrooms.
4. The Teacher’s Role. Montessori teachers guide students one-on-one, assisting the children on their own learning paths. Traditionally, especially with Common Core, the pace and order of each lesson is predetermined. The teacher delivers the same lesson at the same pace and order for all of the students.
5. Ages and Grade Levels. In Montessori schools, grade levels are flexible and determined by the child’s developmental range; children are in age groups that can span two years. In traditional schools, grade levels are defined solely by chronological age.
6. Individualized Curriculum. The Montessori curriculum expands in response to a student's needs. Traditional curricula are predetermined by state and federal educational standards.
7. Self Esteem. Montessori educators recognize that the child’s self-esteem comes from an internal sense of confidence, fostered in part through individual achievement. In traditional classrooms, self-esteem is commonly thought to come from external judgement and validation.
8. Love of Learning. The Prepared Environment is designed to appeal to children’s desire for knowledge, which helps them develop a love of learning. Traditional education is focused on grades and standardized tests; children learn because it is mandatory.
9. Origin of Methods. Dr. Maria Montessori developed the Montessori teaching method based on her lifetime of observing how children really learn. Traditional education as we know it was founded by Horace Mann, 19^th century American politician and educational reformer, who was credited as being the "Father of the Common School Movement" (Thomas L. Good, 21st century education: a reference handbook (2008) p 267).

There are other differences, of course, such as room structure and the idea of homework. Not to mention that every school has its unique qualities -- even Montessori schools. However, the nine listed above have been formed around the core principles behind Dr. Maria Montessori and her wonderful vision for designing education around the student.

Until next time,

Andrea Spikes

Communications Manager