| Type |
Montessori |
Traditional |
| Education |
Education is life in process, beginning at birth |
Education is something that happens in school to prepare the child for life. |
| Teacher |
The supporter, guide |
The leader, lecturer |
| Instruction |
Individualized, at a level consistent with the child’s abilities |
Group oriented, at groups pace or teachers pace |
| Order of learning |
Follows a psychological order- new material is presented when the learner is ready, when his interests are aroused- his curiosity is gratified |
Tends to be arbitrary for the individual learner depending on the selectivity of the teacher |
| Experience |
Is first-hand through direct use of a wide variety of special, purposeful learning material- Emphasis upon activity, learning by doing |
Is often second-hand through lectures and explanations- Emphasis upon words, upon authority, upon learning by rote |
| Control or Error |
Is inherently a part of
the material itself- the child can recognize and correct an error by himself-
Pleasure and self-confidence are derived from success and the good feelings of
accomplishment |
The adult is usually the judge- recognition is gained by pleasing the adult or by capturing the admiration of the group. |
| Motivation |
Is self-initiated through environmental stimulation |
Is teacher-initiated or comes from the child’s desire to emulate the adult |
| Discipline |
Emerges from the child himself in the form of self-discipline- he develops self-respect and in turn, respect for others |
Rules are externally imposed on the child- respect is demanded of him |
