Traditional School
Teacher's role is dominant, and active. Child is a passive participant.
Teacher is primary enforcer of external discipline
Individual & group instruction conforms to the adult's learning style.
Children are grouped with other children of their same age
Curriculum is structured with little regard for child's interests
Errors corrected by teacher
Learning is reinforced externally by rewards and punishment.
Child assigned seat; encouraged to sit still & listen
Montessori School
Teacher's role is unobtrusive. Child actively participates in learning.
Environment and method encourages internal self-discipline
Individual and group instruction adapts to each student's learning style.
Children are grouped with a mix of ages, and are encouraged to teach, collaborate, and help each other.
Child chooses own work from interests and abilities
Child spots own errors through feedback from material.
Learning is reinforced internally through child's own repetition of activity & internal feelings of success
Child can work where they are comfortable, move and talk at will (without disturbing others).