The Montessori Difference

The aim of schools in almost every corner of the world is to teach children the predetermined information called curriculum. The basic criterion of success in the classical sense is measured by the child's internalization of the most information in the shortest time.

Unlike this, the goal of the Montessori technique is to ensure the physical, spiritual, social, mental and emotional integrity and development of the child. Classroom activities are designed to develop personal discoveries, not passive learning processes. The child is accepted as a whole, not only with his academic success, but with all his skills and attitudes.

In addition, Montessori practices also emphasize developing the child's competence (I can do this), self-discipline (I can set my own limits) and social awareness (I can manage my relationships with my environment) skills.

The main material of traditional classrooms are desks that cover most of the classroom. Students settle in a certain order here and listen to lectures by sitting and taking notes.

The design of Montessori classrooms is designed to give students a sense of freedom and choice. There are no standard classroom desks in these classrooms. Students work in activity corners, at small tables, or on the floor. They choose the materials as they wish and determine the boundaries of their own learning areas. While learning materials are displayed on accessible shelves, it offers the student the freedom to go and use the material freely as needed.

In traditional classrooms, the teacher explains information to everyone in the class at the same time. This lecture mostly includes a presentation on the board. After presenting the information, it ensures that learning is reinforced by doing joint activities with the students.

However, in the Montessori technique, the teacher is aware that each child will learn at different levels and with different activities. Students' academic tendencies and levels are observed and guided individually. The aim is to support children to become individuals who are aware of their own potential, open to learning and development, and have improved social relations when they step into the real world.

More importantly, in many Montessori classrooms, students decide whether to do math, an experiment, or a study with words. The teacher is considered as the students' individual learning guide rather than leading the class.