After creating the educational method that bears her name and the first Montessori school in 1907, Mary Montessori was able to create a more innovative and child-friendly teaching method. Subsequently, many schools have discarded the traditional teaching method for the Montessori teaching method.
Whilst research has proven that the Montessori teaching method gives children better academic outcomes, some opponents of this believe that there is the ugly side of it and that the Montessori method is not for every child.
The Montessori teaching method is a teaching approach that prioritizes holistic and child centred education. It advances the understanding of the true nature of children and the need to guide them towards an independent, self-discovery, and hands -on learning approach. Unlike the traditional learning method which is teacher-led, strict adherence to rules and curriculum, memorization, structured and standardized, the Montessori learning methods is child-based, self-directed, teacher facilitating, collaborating and holistic. In a traditional learning approach, the teacher is the attention and the leader, the child is the follower and the led. In the Montessori learning approach, the child is the attention, the teacher is the observer and can be active or passive depending on the nature of the child, his interest and willingness to engage at a particular time.
Empirically, the Montessori approach has proven to have fostered creativity, curiosity, and collaboration in classroom activities.
The difference between both teaching methods are listed thus
- Child-centered
This is the greatest philosophy of Montessori. It means that the different pace, strength, and interest of each child will be followed and monitored by the teacher. The traditional method is teacher-centred.
- Flexible Curriculum
In the Montessori method, each child has a learning interest and is guided towards it. In the traditional method, the way and method is direct and singular.
- Classroom Preparation
The Montessori method prepares a child for the classroom, while the traditional method prepares the classroom for the child.
- Classroom arrangement
The Montessori classroom has practical life, mathematics, language, culture, science, and sensorial development. This helps to stimulate the minds of children. Traditional teaching has a single class setting with different compulsory subjects.
- ADHD children
Montessori method prepares children with autism and ADHD on social skills. The traditional method has limited empathy and social skills for children in this category.
- Modelling good behaviour
Montessori method teachers are more conscious of their behaviour, and they teach manners and emotional intelligence more than teachers in traditional method.
- Concentration level
In the Montessori method, a child concentration is respected, especially when he’s deeply engaged. Traditional method directs and interrupts concentration.
- Love of learning
Montessori method encourages children to learn more. Children love to engage more with academic and social activities. Traditional method lack learners autonomy, which impedes their learning interest.
- Hands-on Lessons
Montessori method engages children with subjects that motivate their learning in practical ways. The traditional method is more or less rigid.
- Outdoor time
In the Montessori method, outdoor time is an extension of learning. In the traditional method, it is a break from learning.
Having stated these advantages of Montessori over traditional teaching method, opponents of Montessori method argue that because, Montessori doesn’t give approval, grades, or make corrections in classes but rather suggest, guide, encourage, direct and redirect, it does not give room for positive reinforcement in children. Again, they argue that some pupils in Montessori lag behind in clasess because they’re not “pushed” to achieve a target. According to them, in the Montessori method, a child may be 8 years old without being able to write his name because he has no interest in writing. Again, opponents of Montessori reasoned that since the Montessori method ends in primary school, it may be challenging for a child to switch to traditional teaching method in high school and beyond.
Beyond these few disadvantages, the Montessori teaching method has proven to be the best teaching method in the face of fast technological and social advancement.
Amara Ann Unachukwu
