TRADITIONAL |
MONTESSORI |
| Late start at school (ages
5-6) |
Early start at school (ages
2-3) |
| One age per class |
3-year age span |
| Seated at desks |
Freedom to move about |
| Little socialization |
Community atmosphere |
| Large group lessons |
Individual and small group
lessons |
| Teacher as source of answers |
Self-correcting materials |
| Rewards and punishments |
Natural, logical consequences |
| Adult-centered schedule |
Child-centered schedule |
| Frequent interruptions |
Longer free work periods |
| Limited curriculum |
Enhanced curriculum |
| Peer comparison as test |
Progress of student as test |
| Emphasis on grades |
Emphasis on learning |
| Emphasis on conformity |
Emphasis on individuality |
| Annual promotion |
Progress at individual rate |
| Teacher as disciplinarian |
Emphasis on “self”
control |
| Little parent involvement |
Strong school/home ties |
| Graded report cards |
Observation based progress
reports |
