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Montessori or Conventional: What’s Best for Your Family?

Orlando Montessori Bilingual Academy • Aug 07, 2020

You already know that Montessori is different from conventional education methods. You may have heard some folks rave about the benefits while others share their doubts. The truth is, there are a lot of differences. Montessori education is nothing like the type of schooling that most children experience – including us adults when we were children.

Understanding the differences can help you decide whether or not Montessori might be a good fit for your family. We invite you to read the comparison below, then come see for yourself. Visiting our classroom environments in person is the very best way to understand our approach.

When viewing this chart please keep two important points in mind:

  1. All schools are different. There is no one standard for conventional or Montessori educational settings. The statements below are generalizations, thought widely considered accurate.
  2. You may see similar charts like this floating around the internet. Ours is different in that we aim to provide factual, observational comparisons. The intention is not to convince you that Montessori is somehow better, but to assist you in your decision-making process. We do, of course, believe in the validity of our methods, but we fully acknowledge that Montessori is not the best fit for every family.
Montessori Conventional
Mixed Age Groupings
Montessori classrooms utilize a multi-age
model. Ranges are typically 3-6, 6-9, and
9-12.
Single Year Chronological Grade Levels
In conventional schools, children generally
move to a new grade and class each year.
Individualized Instruction
Teachers are trained to guide children
through a set curriculum, however each child
sets their own pace and is able to more
deeply explore areas of interest.
Group Paced Instruction with Elements of
Differentiation
Teachers often teach skills to the whole class
at once and pacing does not allow for extra
support or challenge. In recent years efforts
are being made in some settings to find ways
to provide elements of differentiated
instruction.
Focus on Intrinsic Motivation
Montessori educators believe that children
have an innate desire to learn and that the
learning itself is a reward. Progress reports
typically include teacher narratives and
information on skills that have been
presented, practiced, and mastered.
Use of Rewards and Punishments
Conventional schooling typically takes the
approach that external rewards are
motivators. Children receive grades on their
report cards, stickers or stamps on papers
deemed “good”, and class celebrations for
positive behavior.
Physical Autonomy
Montessori environments are set up so that
children may safely and independently use
the toilet, eat a snack and get a drink of
water when their bodies signal the need and
without the permission of an adult.
Adult Permission Required to Fulfill
Certain Needs
In order to maintain order within a class that
largely does the same activities at the same
time, children have scheduled snack/restroom
use times or they may ask an adult for
permission.
One Teacher for Three Years
As a result of multi-age class groupings,
children remain with the same teacher for
three years.
New Teacher Each Year
In typical conventional schools, children move
on to a new classroom with a new teacher
each school year.
Variety of Seating Options
Children may choose to sit and work alone or
with others, at a table or on a carpeted floor.
They may move throughout the day to seek
out different seating options.
Desks with Chairs
Most conventional classrooms utilize
individual desks with chairs. There are many
configurations; some teachers rely on the
traditional row formation, while others use
desks to form small groups, a horseshoe
shape, or other setups.
Select Art on Walls
Framed prints or artwork are hung on
classroom walls. Select, specific curriculum
materials (such as timelines) that may be seen in
elementary and adolescent environments.
Environmental Text
Many conventional educators hang reference
materials on the walls of their classrooms, as
well as motivational and/or decorative
posters.
Natural Materials
Montessori classrooms emphasize the use of
wood, glass, and natural fibers. Plastic is
avoided whenever possible
Variety of Materials
A variety of materials can be found in
conventional classrooms, with an emphasis
on paper and plastic.
Hands-On Materials
Specially designed hands-on materials are
used in Montessori classrooms. As children
get older (throughout the elementary years),
they rely increasingly on pencil and paper,
typically using notebooks. There are generally
no textbooks, workbooks, or worksheets.
Textbooks, Worksheets, and Manipulatives
A variety of teaching tools are used, including
textbooks, workbooks, and photocopied
worksheets. In the last two decades,
conventional schools are finding ways to
include the use of manipulative materials,
especially in math and science.
Formative Assessment
Montessori teachers rely heavily on formative
assessment, which entails observing a child
as they work. During lessons this often means
staying flexible enough to change course
depending on the child’s understanding of the
skill.
Summative Assessment
Teachers in conventional schools rely on a
variety of assessment methods, but tend to
lean heavily on summative assessment.
Examples include tests, quizzes, and graded
assignments. Summative assessments place
a value on student understanding at a
particular point in time.

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