| Montessori Method
| Conventional Approach
|
| Teacher is a guide who introduces materials to each child and observes patiently and perceptively their individual needs and development. The teacher prepares the environment with the child’s interest in mind. |
Teacher leads single-lesson assignments with specific time allotted to each area of study. |
| Active Individualized Learning is encouraged through stimulating, multi-sensory teaching materials. |
Class Learning is the goal through teacher-centered class lessons, auditory and paper based work. |
| Multi-age Class is a “natural” social environment that includes a wide range of ages, fostering self-motivation. Students enjoy working for their own sense of accomplishment. The older children feel a sense of pride when they help younger children. |
Chronological Grouping necessitates external rewards, such as grades, competition and social conformity. |
| Freedom of Choice, with limits, involves decision making. Students select their work according to individual interests and abilities. |
Class Curriculum is taught to all children at the same time. |
| Working at One’s Own Pace enables students to work for long periods without interruption. Each individual works at their potential, independent of the others in the class. |
Large-Group Learning involves each academic subject being scheduled for a limited period. |
| Integral Education balances academic work with freedom of movement. Harmony is created between physical, social and mental activities, with an interrelationship between subjects. |
Traditional Education presents academic subjects in isolation. |
| Independence is fostered by a classroom specifically designed to encourage maximum development. |
Dependency is the norm, with subjects taught by the teacher in front of the class. |
| Self-Evaluation occurs as students learn to evaluate their work objectively through the use of self-correcting teaching materials and individual work with the teacher. |
Class Assessment is the standard with work evaluated and graded by the teacher. |
| Reality-Oriented Education uses concrete materials as the basis for learning future abstract lessons. |
Abstract Education requires students to learn through rote memorization with limited hands-on materials. |
| Close Student-Teacher Interaction enables complete and precise evaluation of student’s progress, both academically and psychologically. |
Class-Oriented Teaching provides limited time to interact individually with each student. |
