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Comparison with Traditional Education

Some Comparisons of Montessori Education with Traditional Education
A Montessori program is based on self-direction, non-competitive activities that help a child develop a strong
the foundation for negotiating new settings.
 Instruction, both individual and group, adapts to students' learning styles and development levels Instruction, both individual and group, adapts to core curricula benchmarks
 Three-year span of age grouping, three-year cycles allow teacher students and parents to develop supportive, collaborative and trusting relationships Same-age and/or skill level grouping; one-year cycles can limit development of strong teacher, student, and parent collaboration
 Child's learning pace is internally determined Instructional pace usually set by core-curricula standard exceptions, group norm, or teacher
 Child allowed to spot own errors through feedback from materials; errors are viewed as part of the learning process Work is usually corrected by the teacher; errors are viewed as mistakes
 Multi-disciplinary, interwoven curriculum Curriculum taught as separate topics areas usually
 Child learns to share leadership Hierarchical classroom structure is more prominent
 Progress is reported through multiple formats: conferences, narrative reports, checklists and portfolio of student's work Progress is usually reported through conferences, report cards/grades, and test scores
 Goal is to foster a love of learning Goal is to master core curricula objectives