Each system has its own developed philosophies and methods in accordance with the differing styles and stages of development of learners. For instance, the Montessori approach focuses on independence and having an active social experience as opposed to traditional schools which are based on authority, standardisation, and curriculum.
This article seeks to discuss some of the critical aspects of the difference between Montessori schools vs traditional with the hope of guiding parents in selecting the best approach for their children.
What are the features of Montessori educational philosophy?
The Montessori method thus uses prepared environments which are conducive to children’s independent learning and self-exploration.
Such methods of teaching include movement arts and crafts, singing and dancing among others which help in developing practical skills, critical thinking and self-discipline.
In contrast with traditional discipline, which tends to segregate children into classrooms according to their age, Montessori classrooms are filled with children of all ages that lets the younger students benefit from the older ones while the older students reinforce what they know by teaching others. Such a great collaborative effort fosters a good relationship and self-motivation.
In addition to this, Montessori schools create self-instructional programmes that suit each child’s level and unique interest. This system promotes children’s learning by encouraging them to learn about things they are most passionate about.
And because children are not bound by the strict imposition of time and grades, they are much more creative and confident.
What Are the Ways Learning is Organised in a Conventional System of Education?
In conventional schools, the organisation of teaching does not pose any challenges because subjects and time for their completion have already been predetermined. Also, children are sorted according to their ages and grade levels.
The teacher uses a method of instruction that combines lectures, the use of textbooks, and tests to measure the extent to which the set goals have been achieved.
While such an arrangement may be able to provide uniformity, it may compromise on the rate at which an individual learner may be able to learn the topics.
Conventional schools also put a lot of emphasis on the attainment of grades and standardized achievement tests completion which may be a source of tension for some students.
Nonetheless, they are able to engage in other forms of sports and other forms of interaction through teamwork.
What Causes Montessori Style of Schools to Favor Self Reliance?
Montessori schools are characterised by a strong focus on self-reliance as one of the major parts of the educational process.
This is done by allowing students to select the kind of activities they wish to pursue, time management, and decision-making when it comes to solving problems. This is crucial since such a self-governing process instills self-esteem in these learners.
This also means that children would only use the materials or resources that are necessary such as pencils so that they learn first hand without the teacher interfering with their learning process.
Children are more willing to make mistakes and learn from them, instead of seeking help which instills courage in them. This enables learners to be self-starters as completing tasks gives them a happy feeling, which in turn boosts learning.
How Do Traditional Schools Maintain Discipline Standards?
In most traditional schools, discipline is implemented through a set of rules, a reward and punishment system. Parents and teachers expect students to internalise certain social norms and cooperate to keep the environment orderly.
In order for learning to take place in classrooms, systems such as class timetables and lesson delivery have to be put in place.
With this order, self-regulation does not appear to have many opportunities in the end. There seems to be overemphasis on control in traditional schools.
While this gets the job of maintaining order achieved, it does not create the same level of motivation as seen in the Montessori method.
For What Reason is it That Montessori Education is So Practical?
Montessori education is mainly about doing; the methods used are practical methods. Such materials aid in understanding abstract concepts by using concrete experiences.
For example, even in secondary school when I was learning multiplication, we used beads and blocks to simulate the addition and subtraction process.
So now you understand why this method has been around for ages; concepts are easier to learn and have more likelihood of being remembered. Varying types of learners are also considered with this method, in particular kinesthetic ones.
Children who attend Montessori schools are naturally curious as they learn with their hands; hence, education becomes fun and, as a result, a favourable attitude towards education is instilled in them.
How is Technology Embedded in Traditional Schools?
Technology in traditional schools is embedded in classrooms in terms of computers, tablets, and interactive whiteboards. These technology tools improve teaching and learning through a multimedia approach, a virtual classroom, and the opportunity to acquire knowledge.
Every global market should meet the needs of the local population in order to survive and thrive within the culture. In many cases, this includes satisfying a demand for properly developed technology.
In this regard, students in conventional education systems are practically raised in a low-skilled environment that requires little more than routine work. There is, nevertheless, an obvious need for an unemotional opponent to operate within the virtual domain.
Over time, such children might lose out on important interpersonal communication and tactile work, forming a vicious cycle where there is a depletion of important life skills. Therefore, employing both virtual and physical means appears to be the most effective strategy.
In order for children to develop soft skills and understand why rules exist, they must first grasp the concept of regulations and restrictions.
In order to teach such concepts, children in Montessori classrooms are grouped by age so that they can learn from others, which helps nurture the principles of sympathy, respect, and communication.
In many cases, good control of emotions and lessons in courtesy and manners are equally important. These children will carry such lessons into work and use them later for their projects and companies when they grow up in life.
How Are Academic Achievements Supported in Traditional Schools?
Traditional methods of education largely deprive children of the joy of learning and doing what one wants for the sake of enjoying the process.
If children are subjected to a rigid method of learning along with rigorous assessments, there always seems to be a two-pronged effect and it could prove debilitating in the long run.
On one side, students are forced to aim for success in competitive exams and have an easy transition into further education, whilst on the other hand, they face immense amounts of stress and struggle to open up and explore other interests.
Moderation is the answer, with a balanced approach of the two extremes leading to brilliant outcomes.
Why Is Montessori Education Flexible?
Montessori education is purposeful and structured while also remaining flexible. The students are all on the same learning spectrum but at different levels and are provided with the liberty to move around the syllabus looking for concepts that can sustain their interest.
This helps them even when there are differences in the learning speeds of the students.
Flexible learning environments help children to be more inventive and original because they are not limited by strict time constraints.
Teachers become facilitators and help children to explore rather than teaching them information. This makes children self-learners.
How Do Traditional Schools Foster Teamwork?
Teamwork is promoted the most in traditional settings through group projects, sports, and extracurricular activities. Students are exposed to project management, leadership, tackling real-life issues, and being able to develop solutions for them.
Traditional divisions within schools on a team basis also foster competition and social interests, but they can be tough for the introverted students who prefer working alone in a quiet environment, which is what Montessori schools provide.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice For Your Child
Deciding between Montessori and conventional schools is never one size fits all. It will alter based upon the type of learning style, the personality, and developmental aspects of the child.
Educating children in a Montessori environment helps them become more independent, creative and enhances their experiential learning whereas conventional networks foster discipline, structure, and academic success. Both systems have different merits that will affect your child’s life.
Campus Montessori Schools strives to nurture the child fully. Discover the memorial garden Montessori philosophy and how it can benefit the family.
FAQs For Montessori Schools vs Traditional
What are the core differences of Montessori and traditional schools?
The tangible aspect of learning and being independent in Montessori schools is the core of the education model while the mundane practices of a standard syllabus and exams is the tragedy of traditional schools. Both are effective in a child’s growing process but have their differences.
How do children become independent in light of Montessori education?
There’s a strong focus on guiding the children towards self-governed activities and actions in a Montessori system. A child learns at his/her best pace which leads to self-inspiration and confidence as well as problem solving, especially in a school environment such as the Garden Montessori Schools.
Why should young students attend Montessori even for a brief period?
Because precisely designed education enables free imagination and curiosity that lasts forever, special attention to each student is present. For children, their ambition is Garden Montessori Schools.
Is Montessori for like-minded people who prefer a practical approach?
Absolutely, for Montessori educating children through touch is the central pillar. It makes sense and provides insight into the very idea behind the topic. Come to Garden Montessori Schools to find out more.
What methods are used by regular schools to foster collaboration?
Regular schools integrate collaboration and teamwork into their curriculum through the use of group projects and after-school activities but on the other hand, Montessori schools such as Garden Montessori Schools also encourage social skills development through different means.
