Montessori Education

Teacher guides the child. The child is

the focal point of learning.
Classroom is set up to encourage self
discipline.

Traditional Education

Teacher controls the class. The

teacher is the focal point of learning.
Teacher acts as the disciplinarian.

Instruction is individualized.
Instruction is whole group.
Multi-aged grouping allows for child
to collaborate and teach each other.
Child is allotted time to work and
complete lesson.

Same aged grouping and students are

discouraged to collaborate.
Generally the child is allotted specific
time for work.

Child sets the pace for learning.

Instruction pace is set by group.
Child reinforces own learning by
repetition of work and has intrinsic
success.
The prepared environment allows the
child to view the entire curriculum set
up on the shelves.
Child discovers concepts from selfteaching materials.

Learning is reinforced externally by

rewards and punishment.
Classroom curriculum is present in
text books in which the class moves
through together.
Child is guided to concepts by
teacher.

Child chooses own work.

Teacher chooses the work for the
child.
Child can work where they choose,
move about and talk quietly.

Child is assigned a seat and is limited

in movement and conversation.