Montessori Classroom vs. Conventional Classroom

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We often talk to parents about what sets a Montessori classroom apart from a conventional classroom. These differences in methodology translate to differences in how students develop in the classroom.  While students in conventional schools become passive learners, students in Montessori schools become active participants in their education, developing the soft skills that today’s world is looking for; creativity, self-discipline, leadership, responsibility, and empathy.  Here a few fundamental differences:

 

  • In the Montessori classroom the entire curriculum is within the student’s reach. Unlike conventional schools where the teacher chooses the subject matter to be taught each day. The Montessori curriculum allows each student to choose a subject of personal interest while being guided by the teacher. Over the year(s) the teacher tracks the student’s progress, helping to inspire the student in areas that may need improvement.
  • The Montessori classroom is a multi-grade classroom, normally of 3 years. Conventional schools moved away from this model in the 1900’s (with exception to the unpopular “split class”) in favour of the linear factory model. Today science acknowledges the educational benefits of multi-age classrooms. Younger students learn by observing older students, while older students develop stronger brain pathways repeating what they know when teaching their younger peers.
  • In a Montessori classroom there is no class wide testing or homework sent home. It is widely accepted in educational circles that regurgitating information for tests, then forgotten shortly after, is ineffective. Yet this method continues in our conventional schools. Montessori students develop a real life long understanding of each subject they study through hands on learning. Parents need not worry about test results. Their children become strong self learners, producing well at the high school level and scoring well when moving on to college or university program.

 

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