Montessori or Traditional Education: Which is Better?

There has been a debate for some time about which type of educational method is better for the young generation of today. Traditional education has been a reliable, tried, and tested process of imparting students with the knowledge and has shown lasting results in disciplined learning. On the contrary, Montessori education explores the complete flip side of the former. It focuses on a holistic approach towards teaching and lets children find their way through supervised autonomy. 

International schools in Tokyo, the USA, and even India have adopted the Montessori technique to teach basic concepts to children starting their school journey. Most schools globally have not adopted the Montessori method of education as it facilitates spherical development. Let us look at some of the factors that differentiate the two very different education systems and their suitability in the modern world.

Different Concepts

Conceptually, both systems are vastly different from one another. However, there is a place for both of them in modern education. When it comes to the classroom environments, traditional methods advise making students sit in their places and restricting their movements. Whereas, in the Montessori method, students are encouraged to move around freely inside the classroom and express themselves in whichever way seems fit. Teachers then note down their approach towards stimuli and strategise their curriculum accordingly.

In terms of teaching methodology, Montessori schools base everything on the child itself. It depends on the child’s interest and understanding, how they would be taught. This is why Montessori teaching techniques treat every child as an individual with different learning abilities. This is not the case with traditional teaching, where the teacher takes precedence over students and puts the curriculum in a straight jacket, restrictive of expression in any kind. Although different, both techniques aim; to benefit students and coach them values for a lifetime.

Playtime with the traditional education system is restricted to synchronised games and activities which require minimum interaction with other students. In the case of Montessori education, playtime consists of mutual interactions and cooperation when playing different types of games, both indoors and outdoors. Students learn to help one another understand and play games that are generally devoid of set rules and regulations. Through this method, teachers can appreciate their pupils well and make out which ones are good at cooperation and leadership. 

Demonstrating Discipline

Every school aims at disciplining its students in the best way possible. Those following traditional teaching methods emphasise standardising a single system that every student has to follow. At the core of this disciplinary practice is the teacher who devises rules and regulations to be adhered to strictly. Any deviation would mean punishments. This is how students learn about following a single line of order while conducting themselves inside school premises. Montessori-based schooling focuses primarily on being lenient with kids, letting them try new things without consequences. This approach helps children to express themselves freely and in a better manner. 

Although both methods of education have very different outlooks towards maintaining discipline, both are, in themselves, completely accurate. Where traditional methods ensure students follow a strong lead and perform tasks with dedication, the Montessori technique makes students more confident about their actions and thoughts.

It depends on an educational institution’s method for imparting education to students. Both methods come with their own sets of pros and cons; however, the most commonly used technique is Montessori education. It has become prevalent in most countries and has produced astonishing results with training the younger generation for their future.