Montesorri Education

Montesorri Vs Mainstrean Education

Based on helping the natural development of the human being
Children learn at their own pace and follow their interest
Children teach themselves using materials specifically prepared for that purpose
Child is an active participant in learning
Understanding comes through the child’s own experiences via the materials and the promotion of children’s ability to find things out for themselves
Learning is based on the fact that physical exploration and cognition are linked
Child can work where he/she is comfortable, moves around and talks at will while not disturbing others
The teacher works in collaboration with the children
The child’s individual development brings its own reward and therefore motivation
Environment and method encourage internal self-discipline
Child works as long as he/she wishes on chosen project
Uninterrupted work cycles
Mixed-age groups
Working and learning matched to the social development of the child
Shared emphasis on intellectual, social, emotional and spiritual development
Shared focus on the acquisition of academic, social, practical and life skills

Based on the transfer of a national curriculum
Children learn from a set curriculum according to a timeframe that is the same for everyone
Children are taught by the teacher
Child is a passive participant in learning
Learning is based on subjects and is limited to what is given.
Children sit at desks and learn from a whiteboard and worksheets
Child is usually assigned own chair and encouraged to sit still and listen during group sessions
The class is teacher-led
Motivation is achieved by a system of reward and punishment
Teacher acts as primary enforcer of external discipline
Child generally given specific time limit for work
Block time, period lessons
Same age groups
Working and learning without emphasis on the social development of the child
Main emphasis on intellectual development
Main focus on academics

Credit: Hills Montessori