Montessori Method of Education was developed by Dr. Maria Montessori in the early 1900's. She believed that education should prepare a child for all aspects of life.Montessori method of education focuses on the child. It is completely child centered and all the activities are child led. Maria Montessori believed that the children learn better when they choose what they want to learn. It is an approach which values the human being as a whole. Equal importance is given to a child's emotional, physical,social and cognitive growth.
How is Montessori Curriculum different from Traditional Curriculum:
Classroom Structure :
In a Traditional classroom, all the students sit in rows of desks whereas in a Montessori classroom, the students have their workstations. They work in groups or individually and also sit on the floor for group lessons. They have a freedom of movement.
Age :
In a Traditional classroom, the children are are grouped chronologically where as in a Montessori classroom, it is non graded. Children of varied age groups sit in a room. for eg. 3-5 years, 6-8 years students sit in a room.
Subjects :
In a Traditional classroom, one subject is taught to everyone where as in a Montessori classroom , children learn at their own pace and decide what they want to do everyday. They can learn individually or in groups.
Cognitive Skills:
In a Traditional Classroom , the students are not challenged enough to think and work whereas in a Montessori classroom, the children are given the freedom to think and explore various things. This leads them to try and experiment different things. By the time, the children are six years old, their cognitive skills are already developed.
Concentration :
In a Traditional Classroom, the timetable and the schedule is fixed. The frequent interruptions and breaks hamper children's involvement and focus. In a Montessori Classroom, the children are not bound to a specific time table and a schedule. They have enough time to concentrate and work on a single activity.
Learning :
In a Traditional Classroom, the teacher corrects the students mistakes or errors but in a Montessori Classroom, the children learn from their peers and are given opportunities to self correct their errors. The teacher acts as a role model and a guide. Children learn through their own discovery and make their own choice.
Dependent on teachers :
In a Traditional Classroom, the students are dependent on teachers, where as in a Montessori Classroom, the children learn on their own.
Subjects :
In a Traditional Classroom, each subject is taught individually and very less practical knowledge is given to the students. In a Montessori Curriculum, all subjects are interrelated and are taught are given practical training.
Student to Teacher Ratio :
In a traditional Classroom, student to teacher ratio is very high where as in a Montessori Classroom, the student to teacher ratio is either 8:1 or 10:1.
This article is an attempt to make people aware of the differences of both the curriculums. Parents have to think and decide which curriculum is best for their child.
I have many friends whose kids go to Montessori schools and I have heard many good things about it. It definitely give kids a structured environment and plays a crucial role in their development.
ReplyDeleteMy cousin was planning to opt for Montessori curriculum for her kiddo, this write up is very insightful and helpful. I am gonna share with her
ReplyDeleteVery insightful post for all the parents, juggling to get the right choice of school for their kids. I like your comparative study over the traditional and montessori curriculum, indeed both have totally opposite concept. For my younger one I will surely give a thought to Montessori schools.
ReplyDeleteOne of the must read for parents to understand well what exactly is Montessori method of teaching
ReplyDeleteVery informative post. True that both traditional and Montessori method are totally different and comes with their own benefits and disadvantages. And yes, parent only should decide on through what method their child should learn.
ReplyDeleteWow this was insightful. My kids have studied the Montessori way, I can see the change and the growth in them which was slow when we were kids. Today's kids know so much more than we use do.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of montessori learning as it lets the child grown and learn on its own pace. In a traditional school set up kids seems to be rushed a lot and I strongly feel kids till the age of 5 are really not prepared to be rushed in.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very helpful read for parents who wants to understand the montessori method of learning.
ReplyDeleteTo each to his own, I have seen and met parents who aren't a fan of montessori learnings after giving it a try for a few years. I on the other hand would love my child to learn via montessori teachings. I love how you differentiated between the two. Both have its pros and cons and its the parent along with kid who can decide which teaching method suits them more :)
ReplyDeleteI too have covered this topic extensively on my blog last year, it is essential to know the modus operandi behind both the learning models before making a final pick. Glad you explained this so well.
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