The big difference between traditional and Montessori education is that they start from a different base.
In the first, the central figure is the teacher who leads and enforces order and discipline. Knowledge is always specific (curriculum) and transmitted standardized.
On the contrary, in Montessori schools, the dominant role in the classroom is played by the child, his personality and his needs. Discipline stems from the same and knowledge becomes a journey guided by the interests and the different pace of each child.
More specifically:
| Montessori pedagogical method | Traditional pedagogical method |
| Based on the natural development of the child | Based on the application of the curriculum |
| Children learn at their own pace according to their needs and interests | Children are taught specific material according to their age in a predetermined period |
| Kids learn through specially designed materials with experience | Children are taught by the teacher |
| The child is actively involved in the learning process | The child has a passive role |
| The child can work wherever and however they feel comfortable. It moves, observes and chooses | The child is required to sit still and passively listen to the teaching |
| The teacher works with the children. The child is at the center of the learning process and the educator is on the sidelines. | The class is led by the teacher. The teacher is in the center and the child in the margin |
| Environment and method support internal self-discipline | Discipline is enforced by the teacher |
| The concept of punishment and reward is completely absent. The child’s reward is his work | The result of his work is evaluated with points and praise |
| The child chooses how much time to deal with what he has chosen | Specific time working on a specific subject |
| Mixed Age Rooms | Classes by Age |
| Emphasis on the intellectual, emotional, spiritual development of the child | Emphasis on intellectual development and cognitive development |
| The child points out his mistakes through the material (this -correction ) | The teacher points out the child’s mistakes |
| Variety of sensory material available for the child to explore | Little material for sensory development |
| Emphasis on collaboration | emphasis on competition |
| It is necessary to inform the parent about the method in order to benefit the child to the maximum | Voluntary parent participation |