“What is the difference between Montessori education and a traditional public school

education? It is one of the few questions that prompt in the mind of a novice, who is new to

the Montessori Environment. Proper comparison between the two will be of the essence for

the parents while making the most critical decision about their child’s education.

Thus, CMS aims at providing you with some of the major differences between Montessori

and Traditional classrooms-

CHILD IS KING, TEACHER IS A TREASURER.

The education system in a traditional school is teacher-centered. The teacher is the

quintessential transmitter of knowledge or the major source of answers. On the other hand,

Montessori classrooms are based on a student-centered approach. It is a method

extraordinaire which aims at providing student-centered knowledge. It accords the highest

importance to a child. It provides opportunities for discovery and experiential learning to the

children. The lack of time restrictions often leads to a deeper and more engaging

explorations, resulting in curiosity to learn further.

THE AURA

Montessori classrooms and Traditional schools are not one of the same things. They are

heterogeneous. The dissimilarity among the two is manifested by the merit and virtue of the

Montessori kids. Montessori classrooms are, therefore, meticulously arranged to provide

students an easy access to a wide spectrum of knowledge and learning materials.

THE WORLD IS YOURS TO EXPLORE

Unlike traditional school students, a Montessori student is not expected to sit and listen to a

teacher, memorize it, and take tests. Montessori lessons take a more active and hands-on

approach. Such an approach often leads to deeper and more engaging explorations. Students

are encouraged to follow their curiosity and discover answers on their own.

ON THE MERCY OF THE CLOCK

Teachers in a traditional school are often left at the mercy of the clock. A bunch of different

classes are given to students for a fixed period of time each day. Children attend a variety of

classes in which lessons begin and end upon the ringing of the bells, which forces them to

pace their lessons. Thus, the students are bound by a set curriculum. This seemingly

autocratic scheduling is not a feature of a Montessori classroom. Children in Montessori

school work on lessons as long as it takes them to accomplish a clear understanding.

TOWARDS CURIOSITY

Children are naturally driven by a curiosity to explore and are incessantly rejoiced by new

things. They have an insatiable desire for knowledge. This is something that significantly

backs the Montessori methods. In these classrooms, a child’s innate desire for knowledge

plays a central role. While in Traditional classrooms, children learn because it’s obligatory

for them to learn. It naturally kills their inquisitiveness. Montessori schools aim to foster

lifelong learners and prepare them to learn for the joy of learning, and not just to secure good

grades.