FAQ

Frequently Asked Question

Question: Why do children 'do whatever they want' in the Montessori classroom?

Answer: Children are given a free choice of activities as it is thought that learning should be child centred and children can work at their individual level. Each activity however is carried out in a set way, after being introduced by the directress.  Materials are specially designed to be used in a certain way for the purpose of learning and to engage the interest of the child.  In fact, unruly, noisy, disruptive, purposeless or silly behaviour is not tolerated in the classroom at any time; directresses observe children and suggest appropriate activities if required.  A peaceful chair is also used to allow a child to calm down before joining the group again or continuing a task.

 

Question: What are the differences between Montessori and Mainstream Education

Answer:

Montessori Education Mainstream Education 
Based on helping the natural development of
the human being
Based on the transfer of a national curriculum
 Children learn at their own pace and follow
their own individual interest
Children learn from a set of curriculum according
to a time frame that is the same for everyone 
 Children teach themselves using materials
specially prepared for the purpose
Children are taught by the teacher
 Child is an active participant in learning
Child is a passive participant in learning 
 Understanding comes through the child's own
experiences via the materials and the
promotion of children's ability to find things out
for themselves
Learning is based on subjects and is limited
to what is given
 Learning is based on the fact that a physical
exploration and cognition are linked
Children sit at desks and learn from a
whiteboard  and worksheets
 Child can work where he/she is comfortable
moves around and talks at will while not
disturbing others
Child is usually assigned own chair and
encouraged to sit still and listen during group
sessions
 The teacher works in collaboration with the
children
The class is teacher led 
 The child's individual development brings its
own reward and therefore motivation
Motivation is achieved by a system of reward
 and punishment
 Environment and method encourage internal
self-discipline
Teacher acts as primary enforcer of external
discipline 
 Child works as long as he/she wishes on
chosen project
Child generally given specific time limit for work
 Uninterrupted work cycles
Block time, period lessons 
 Mixed age groups
Same age groups 
 Working and learning matched to the social
development of the child
Working and learning without emphasis on the
social development of the child 
 Shared emphasis on intellectual, social,
emotional and spiritual development
Main emphasis on intellectual development
 Shared focus on the acquisition of academic
social, practical and life skills
Main focus on academics 

Source: Montessori Australia Foundation website
 

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