| Montessori Method | Conventional Approach |
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| Teacher is a guide who introduces materials to each child and observes patiently and perceptively their individual needs and development. The teacher prepares the environment with the child's interest in mind. | Teacher leads single-lesson assignments with specific time allotted to each area of study. |
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| Active Individualized Learning is encouraged through stimulating, multi-sensory teaching materials. | Class Learning is the goal through teacher-centered class lessons, auditory and paper based work. |
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| Multi-age Class is a "natural" social environment that includes a wide range of ages, fostering self-motivation. Students enjoy working for their own sense of accomplishment. The older children feel a sense of pride when they help younger children. | Chronological Grouping necessitates external rewards, such as grades, competition and social conformity. |
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| Freedom of Choice, with limits, involves decision making. Students select their work according to individual interests and abilities. | Class Curriculum is taught to all children at the same time. |
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| Working at One's Own Pace enables students to work for long periods without interruption. Each individual works at his potential, independent of the others in the class. | Large-Group Learning involves each academic subject being scheduled for a limited period. |
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| Integral Education balances academic work with freedom of movement. Harmony is created between physical, social and mental activities, with an interrelationship between subjects. | Traditional Education presents academic subjects in isolation. |
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| Independence is fostered by a classroom specifically designed to encourage maximum development. | Dependency is the norm, with subjects taught by the teacher in front of the class. |
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| Self-Evaluation occurs as students learn to evaluate their work objectively through the use of self-correcting teaching materials and individual work with the teacher. | Class Assessment is the standard with work evaluated and graded by the teacher. |
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| Reality-Oriented Education uses concrete materials as the basis for learning future abstract lessons. | Abstract Education requires students to learn through rote memorization with limited hands-on materials. |
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| Close Student-Teacher Interaction enables complete and precise evaluation of student's progress, both academically and psychologically. | Class-Oriented Teaching provides limited time to interact individually with each student. |
"The training of the teacher who is to help life is something far more than the learning of ideas. It includes the training of character; it is a preparation of the spirit."