Traditional Classroom Vs. Montessori Environment

Montessori: Creating a Paradigm Shift in Education

Traditional Classroom Montessori Environment
Textbooks, pencil and paper, worksheets and dittos Prepared kinesthic materials with incorporated control of error, specially developed reference materials
Working and learning without emphasis on social development Working and learning matched to the social development of the child
Narrow, unit-driven curriculum Unified, internationally developed curriculum
Individual subjects Integrated subjects and learning based on developmental psychology
Block time, period lessons Uninterrupted work cycles
Single-graded classrooms Multi-age classrooms
Students passive, quiet, in desks Students active, talking, with periods of spontaneous quiet, freedom to move
Students fit mold of school School meets needs of students
Students leave for special help Special help comes to students
Product-focused report cards Process-focused assessment, skills checklists, mastery benchmarks

Content courtesy of the North American Montessori Teachers’ Association.
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