How Montessori Education Is Different From Traditional Education

Montessori School
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Written By Poonam Singh

I am co-founder of toddlerjunction.com and Principal of Cambridge Montessori Preschool Bangalore.

Do you know that 90% of human brain capacity is developed during the first five years of life?

Our kids are the world’s most gifted students and the most imaginative and compassionate individuals. A child’s personality develops over six years of life. Through maturity, children retain this personality. The fundamental change in raising kids enables parents, educators, and caregivers everywhere to raise confident, kind, and competent kids.

Montessori school plays a vital role in developing a kid early. And when we talk about Montessori education, the differences between Montessori schools and traditional schools are one of the frequent queries people ask.

Read Here: 7 Key Elements of a Montessori School

12 Aspects Montessori Schools Differ from Regular Schools | How Montessori Education Is Different From Traditional Education

Here are the top 12 ways a Montessori school differs from a traditional way of learning.

1. Every Child Is Unique

The founding principle of the Montessori educational approach is a strong respect for each child’s individuality and the unique skills they each bring to the classroom. All children are frequently expected to learn new topics in the same way in conventional preschools. The Montessori method makes the assumption that every child learns differently. The development of the whole child—socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively—is a priority in Montessori schools in order to support each child in realizing their unique potential.

2. Promote Independence

Teaching kids how to learn on their own is highly valued in Montessori schools. It is recommended for students to develop to their fullest ability at their own speed. The same teachings are taught in traditional schools; some students fall behind while others progress. In Montessori classrooms, students take on challenges when they’re ready, growing more independent and self-sufficient as well as creating an internal sense of motivation and purpose.

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3. Using a Range of Learning Styles

The Montessori school of thought holds that every child is clever from birth, and every child has a different learning style that is as distinct as their personality. In order to adapt to each child’s interests, Montessori classrooms offer a wide range of environments and activities. This ensures that each child’s needs are satisfied, that every student is engaged and challenged, and that pupils can think more creatively.

How Montessori Education Is Different From Traditional Education
How Montessori Education Is Different From Traditional Education

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4. Teachers Acting as Mentors

According to the Montessori approach, teachers in the classroom should work together with students to advance learning. A learning triangle is formed by the child, the teacher, and the surroundings. The instructor sets up the classroom and acts as a mentor, promoting freedom, flexibility within bounds, and a feeling of discipline. You won’t find professors lecturing from in front of the classroom in a Montessori setting. Instead of taking over the classroom, they serve as mentors for a child’s growth.

Teachers in a Montessori setting are referred to as “guides.” The Montessori lesson program gives kids the freedom to control their own learning. This enables students to establish their roles within the classroom community and inspires them to develop their own independence and leadership abilities.

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5. Making Mistakes Is A  Part Of Learning

Kids are humans, and humans screw things up. Small mistakes like spilling water or dropping meals are a common part of the learning process. The Montessori method values children’s independence in making and fixing their own mistakes. The Montessori method of education sees mistakes as a necessary component of learning. In a Montessori environment, mistakes are seen as teaching opportunities, in contrast to traditional learning environments where promoting perfection is frequently considered the ideal strategy. The objective is to help kids identify and fix their mistakes on their own. Children need to learn in a natural, human way, which involves making mistakes and growing from them and are taught not to feel embarrassed or ashamed by them.

6. Effective Learning In Social Environments

According to the Montessori educational philosophy, the greatest setting for nurturing each child’s distinctive development is socially engaging, full of developmentally appropriate resources, and open to exploration.

The Montessori method acknowledges that every kid has a unique personality from birth. As they engage with other people, particularly other kids, these personalities develop and evolve. Young learners spend a large portion of their day learning and interacting with other students instead of restricting social engagement in the classroom, as is sometimes done in a traditional school setting. They gain independence and interpersonal skills as a result.

How Montessori Education Is Different From Traditional Education
How Montessori Education Is Different From Traditional Education

7. An Inspiring Surroundings

Montessori classroom environments are meant to be fascinating places where kids enjoy studying. A peaceful, well-organized, and pleasant classroom is said to promote learning. Soft colors and natural lighting are prominent in the rooms. Open shelves are used to arrange the materials so that kids can easily access them. There are quiet rooms for solitary learning projects and larger areas where students can collaborate in groups since there is a strong emphasis on individual choice.

8. Specialized Resources to Encourage Learning

In contrast to conventional schools, which can place a heavy emphasis on textbooks or workbooks, Montessori schools make use of a variety of lovely, hands-on materials and instruments that encourage intense concentration and a curiosity about the outside world. In a Montessori classroom, special materials are utilized that are specially created to engage all five senses and promote learning. Many of the resources utilized in Montessori settings aim to impart concepts that are crucial for the development of young learners, such as how to fasten buttons or tie a bow.

9. Instinctive And Active Learning

The Montessori educational philosophy strongly emphasizes the idea that children learn best via active engagement. The Montessori method supports embodied education, the idea that learning and movement are connected. Montessori education emphasizes experiential, hands-on learning, and inquiry. Learning takes place experientially and scientifically in a Montessori environment. Lessons are designed to connect through each child’s distinct talents and interests. To further aid children in developing critical thinking abilities, a special emphasis is placed on puzzles and problem-solving activities to further aid children in developing critical thinking abilities.

How Montessori Education Is Different From Traditional Education

10. Strengthening a Sense of Community

A healthy community is the foundation of an effective learning environment in a Montessori school. The purpose of this community, which consists of kids, instructors, and parents, is to establish a loving and encouraging network. Unlike traditional schools, preschools, or daycare programs, a Montessori environment offers a multi-age-level approach to learning. Three years are spent working with the same teacher. This enables close relationships to develop between students as well as between the teacher and the student as well as the pupil’s parents.

11. Encouraging Love For Nature

A large portion of Montessori instruction takes place outside, where students can engage with the local nature. The Montessori educational philosophy holds that a child’s personal development includes an early love of nature. Students can participate in teacher-led nature excursions, start their own compost, or grow seeds.

12. Raising World Citizens

Montessori schools are aware of the value of empowering kids to take an active part in the world. Children who grow up in a Montessori school gain a profound understanding of other cultures and the importance of respecting one another. Montessori schools actively promote peace and kindness in every child. Children are urged to approach life with a positive, open mindset. These are essential traits for young people if they want to succeed in our increasingly connected society.

How is Montessori education different from traditional education

How Montessori Education Is Different From Traditional Education – FAQ

Why Montessori education is better than traditional education?

Montessori education has been around for over a hundred years and has a proven track record of success. Montessori schools are based on the philosophy that children are natural learners and should be allowed to progress at their own pace. This is in contrast to traditional education, which often relies heavily on rote learning and standardized testing. Montessori schools have been shown to produce students who are creative, independent thinkers. If you are looking for an alternative to traditional education, Montessori might be the right choice for your family.

What is the difference between a Montessori school and Traditional Schools ?

There are a few key differences between Montessori schools and traditional schools. One difference is that Montessori schools follow a more individualized approach to education. This means that each student is able to progress at their own pace, based on their own abilities and interests. Another difference is that Montessori schools place a strong emphasis on practical, hands-on learning experiences. Montessori classrooms are also typically designed to be more open and collaborative, with students working together in small groups rather than sitting in rows.

What is unique about the Montessori method?

The Montessori method is a unique approach to education that emphasizes hands-on learning and individualized attention. Montessori classrooms are designed to promote exploration and discovery, and teachers work to create an environment where each child can thrive. Montessori schools often use a mix of traditional and non-traditional teaching methods, and they may vary from one school to the next. However, all Montessori schools share a commitment to meeting the needs of each individual child.

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How Montessori Education Is Different From Traditional Education

I am co-founder of toddlerjunction.com and Principal of Cambridge Montessori Preschool and DayCare Kaggadasapura Branch. I am also a Montessori certified teacher and have 5+ years of experience working with kids.

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