A toddler’s mind is not only influenced by what s/he learns at preschool but also the method through which s/he acquires this knowledge. Consequently, Montessori schools in Singapore and other such educational hubs reflect a shift from institution-centered learning and focus on student-centric education. Here are ten key differences between the traditional schools of education and the Montessori method:
Differences between Montessori and Traditional Education
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Two-Way Education: Active Involvement of Students
Traditional classrooms, which impart one-way education, are often unable to gauge the impact of education on the students accurately. In Montessori classrooms, the toddlers actively participate in and contribute to the education process.
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One Size Never Fits All: Customizable Curricula
Each child has a unique learning style and preference. Standardizing education based on arbitrary categories forces students to modify their learning processes to fit the school’s expectations. Countering this inconvenience, Montessori schools incorporate curricula that are customizable to meet each student’s educational requirements.
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‘At Your Own Pace’: Valuing the Child’s Learning Speed
Gauging a child’s comprehension based on his/her learning pace, hinders the child’s inclination to learn and shatters his/her confidence. Thus, Montessori schools ensure that their curricula may be modified to match every student’s pace, boosting the children’s morale and enhancing comprehension.
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Fostering the Student’s Self-Esteem
Montessori schools emphasize on nurturing a child’s self-esteem. Consequently, they allow students to explore their environments with close supervision by the teachers independently. Carrying out their tasks by themselves majorly boosts the preschoolers’ confidence.
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Teachers as Facilitators of Education
Unlike the traditional school system in which the education process entirely revolves around teachers, Montessori schools in Singapore and other cities assign teachers the role of facilitators. Here, teachers provide toddlers with a broad framework while enabling them to complete the picture independently.
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Quenching the Thirst for Knowledge
Children are curious during their formative years. Montessori schools help toddlers to rekindle their thirst for knowledge, allowing them to ask questions and continuously explore the world around. All the while, the teachers act as mentors supporting the child’s growth.
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Aiding, Not ‘Grading’, the Child
Categorizing students based on their chronological age, only considers their physical growth. Thus, unlike traditional classrooms that consist of rigid grade levels, Montessori classrooms categorize students into age-groups 0-3, 3-6, 6-9, 9-12, 12-15, and 15-18 years, which is a classification based on students’ mental development.
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Slow and Steady
Montessori classrooms deviate from the rigidity of strict time schedules and provide students with sufficient time to complete their tasks. This flexibility ensures that students never compromise on learning due to the shortage of time.
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A Student-Friendly Environment
Montessori schools understand that a conducive learning environment is half the battle won. Thus, their classrooms are customized in advance based on their observations of students’ learning preferences and requirements.
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As a Breath of Fresh Air
Lastly, Montessori classrooms are a breath of fresh air in a world characterized by rigid educational strategies. They respect each child’s individuality, allowing students to be the masters of their academic journeys.
These differences between the Montessori method of teaching and the traditional way would help you get clarity on the type of education you are seeking for your child.