How is Montessori Different from Traditional Education?

In the past, the Indian education system was a rich system linked to nature and life, not like today, where the education system is more about memorizing information being tested until you finish school. Fortunately or unfortunately, this type of education is widely accepted globally. Anywhere you go today you will find several schools offering a traditional system of education. Education has come a long way with new curriculums and improvements to the existing ones.

The Montessori curriculum is one that has increasingly gained popularity among international schools in India. The syllabus is said to benefit students more than the traditional system, especially in honing 21st-century skills. You will find schools in India today offering the Montessori program and an amplified version of the higher classes’ CBSE syllabus. This goes to show that both systems have their advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of traditional education

• It is a mainstream system meaning it practiced globally. It is also the most accessible education system in the world. 
• It is systematic. The traditional education system is carefully outlined to benefit students at every level. It is not only about academics, but the system is also organized and follows specific disciplines in every class. 
• It covers almost every subject in equal measure. In a traditional system, students are given general information on every subject. A student will get out of the system with basic knowledge in sciences, arts, and mathematics. 
• It is an equal system – your social or economic background does not matter when it comes to traditional education.

Disadvantages

• Crowded classrooms
• Students are passive learners as they get information from their books and teachers only.
• The traditional system has a boring routine. Class activities and minimal and students spend most of their time in books.

Advantages of Montessori curriculum

• Classes and learning activities are designed with the child in mind. 
• Active learning is a crucial principle of Montessori education. Students participate in a variety of classroom activities that aid in the learning process.
• The Montessori program aims to provide holistic education where a student grows intellectually, emotionally, physically, and socially.
• Learning is student-centered, where a child chooses the activities they are interested in, and a teacher acts as a guide to help the student progress. 
• Students learn to be independent at an early age. In a Montessori classroom, students are left to work on the activities they choose. They only ask for help when they need it. 

Disadvantages

• It is costly as many parents cannot afford a Montessori education for their kids. The program is mainly in private and international schools.
• Unstructured interaction. In a Montessori classroom, social interaction is more spontaneous, yet young children respond well to routine and structure. Some students might also find freedom in a Montessori classroom intimidating. 
• It is not accessible to everyone. The program is only found in international schools. Some private schools might adopt some practices, but it’s not the same as the original. 

Education comes in many forms, and no one can say that it is useless or non-beneficial. The final decision is up to you as a parent. As long as your child gets an education, they are capable of being an agent of change.