Pros and cons of the montessori method

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Criticism #1: There isn’t enough opportunity through group activity for social development and interaction.
Criticism #2: Creativity is quelled and the childhood taken from students due to early use of cognitive thinking – and too much time spent on the practical life.
Criticism #3: There is far too much freedom in the classroom for the child to choose – and the classroom is far too structured.
Criticism #4: Montessori school is only for the upper-class family.
Criticism #5: There is no research that proves Montessori education has an advantage for children over public school.
Montessori Pros and Cons
The Montessori Pros
The Montessori Cons

When parents are looking to spend above the taxes they pay into the public school system annually, they tend to want to have their concerns and criticisms answered before investing that money. Not only that, but proponents of one form of education method may not agree with how another operates, therefore criticisms can arise.

The Montessori method has been the subject of criticism throughout the years and has been willing to openly address what people see as problems or disadvantages of Montessori education.

And through explanation Montessori educators and experts are able to respond to the criticism with why the method is shaped the way it is - and why they believe is the best way to shape young minds.

Sure, the interaction in Montessori classrooms differs from that of a regular day public school or a non-Montessori based school, however, the interaction students have is far more meaningful. The prepared environment used in the classroom allows for students to interact more freely, rather than at set times of the day like it would be in a traditionally-styled classroom.

Similar to Waldorf, interaction is more spontaneous and far less structured – while still being structured by the way teachers set up their classrooms. Montessori students are viewed as individuals and the method respects that by removing the rigidness and structure that is found in traditional classrooms.

Criticism #2: Creativity is quelled and the childhood taken from students due to early use of cognitive thinking – and too much time spent on the practical life.

A child’s true potential can be activated in the early years of their lives (up to age six is said to be the most formative years for children), and for a child, learning is a natural thing. Even in idle play, children are learning about social interaction, sharing, counting, and the basics that will make up the foundation they will take into the classroom.

Montessori doesn’t take childhoods away, but enriches them through early education that helps ignite a child’s development. In these early years, children learn with great ease and by giving them a Montessori classroom in which to interact and learn, they will develop at a more rapid rate. This is productive for both advanced learners and those who sometimes struggle.

Children love to imitate the world they see moving around them and Montessori takes advantage of the chance to help him or her function in their environment. Activities focused on sensory development at an early age will help to build a foundation for intellectual growth later in their lives: hand-eye control, small and large muscle control and the refinement of skills later needed for reading and writing.

Criticism #3: There is far too much freedom in the classroom for the child to choose – and the classroom is far too structured.

In some ways, these two points contradict themselves: how can there be too much freedom and too much structure at the same time. How a student interacts with the environment will help answer both these criticism.

“A place for everything and everything in its place” is part of Montessori’s classroom philosophy. The method in itself is not structured, as students are free to learn as they want and about what they are curious about at any given moment. However, in order best achieve this freedom, teachers will structure classrooms in a certain way to maximize student potential.

The child is able to freely function within the structured class, and each child gains security in knowing things will be in the same place each time. In many ways, the freedom and class structure work in a collaborative manner.

Criticism #4: Montessori school is only for the upper-class family.

This is completely untrue. Montessori schools, like private schools, don’t choose students based on how much money, fame or prestige a family has: they want the best students that will help create the best education and social environments for their students.

Many schools have worked to improve accessibility for students from the full-range of socio-economic statuses. If you want your child to be enrolled at a Montessori school, in Toronto, Ontario, or elsewhere, there are a number of steps you can take to help make sure you can afford to cost of tuition and make a dream become a reality.

Criticism #5: There is no research that proves Montessori education has an advantage for children over public school.

This is true: there is no research that definitively proves that Montessori education is better than any other education, public or private. For a number of reasons this can be hard to determine: mostly because of a number of variables that cannot be controlled in scientific study.

However, students who attend Montessori schools are more than likely to come out better prepared for life: more organized approaches to life and learning; development of independence; self-discipline and a keen interest in learning.

All educational approaches face criticism and vigorous research for and against that specific type of education. And the Montessori approach, similarly, has pros and cons. Moreover, it might not be the right fit for your child. It’s about finding a school and a method that works for what you and your child need.

Even when choosing a Montessori school, it’s important to find the school as they can vary in many ways. So be sure to be diligent in your research in order to find the best school to help your child achieve success.

On OurKids.net, you can find Montessori preschools, elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools. You can also find our guides to preschool, daycare, as well as preschool programs, benefits, curriculum, and costs.

(Note: the information above was, in part, extracted from The Essential Montessori: An Introduction to the Woman, the Method, and the Movement, by Elizabeth G. Hainstock.)

Montessori » Learn the Essential Montessori Pros and Cons

If your young child is almost ready to enroll in a school, think about comparing Montessori versus traditional preschool programs. This decision could have a long-term impact on many aspects of a youngster’s life, so it’s vital to conduct plenty of research. Our in-depth look at Montessori pros and cons can help you make the right choice:

Have you been trying to determine if a Montessori education is right for your child? It is a big deal to choose a private school over a traditional school. So, do you choose a traditional school or explore Montessori? You’re in luck – this post outlines the key Montessori pros and cons.

Montessori Pros and Cons

Montessori is a lifestyle, not only a method of education. Thus, before committing to Montessori, decide whether you will fully embrace the lifestyle and are willing to make changes to your environment and possibly your parenting approach in order to help your child develop his whole self.

The Montessori Pros

There are many positive aspects of Montessori education and Montessori preschools are indeed a unique & beautiful thing.

Firstly, children become self-motivated lifelong learners. Children work either individually or in small groups at their level. They gain confidence and a love for learning that stems from the freedom to choose.
In addition, Montessori teachers evaluate each child and his or her individual needs. Each child is seen as a singular entity. He or she has the ability to work at his or her own pace. You will not find standardized testing in Montessori classrooms.
Next, children are presented with a broader range of knowledge about the world around them. They explore topics in geography, history, and science holistically.
Children learn grace and courtesy skills. Through role-play, children learn how to handle real-life situations, such as accepting or declining invitations.
They are able to participate in community service projects and going-out opportunities as they get older. These opportunities allow them to understand the larger community.
Montessori teachers follow the child. There is no “teaching to the test.” They are able to explore many different topics and find specific subjects that spark their curiosity.
Montessori classrooms frequently contain children of several different ages. Teachers allow kids to cooperate and interact with younger or older classmates on a daily basis. This empowers students to become effective leaders. It also prepares them to converse with people of various ages when they reach college or the workplace. The multi-age learning environment is unique and a key aspect to Montessori. Older children have opportunities to develop social, emotional, communication, and leadership skills by working with younger children. Younger children benefit from the approach, too.
This educational philosophy promotes independence by allowing kids to select activities on their own. A Montessori teacher doesn’t sit at a desk or stand next to the blackboard and issue commands. Instead, the instructor walks around the room and talks to individuals or small groups about their chosen activities.
Montessori allows each child to learn at a different pace. Consequently, a wide range of kids can thrive in the same classroom. Quick learners don’t feel bored, and children won’t fall behind if they master skills slowly. Self-pacing often helps youngsters recover from stress more rapidly.
Montessori education prioritizes hands-on learning rather than lectures, memorization or standardized tests. This increases the likelihood that kids will develop a real interest in their studies. It also promotes greater creativity and confidence. Students want to discover new things; they don’t need incentives to do so.
Education becomes more enjoyable when children have the freedom to choose their activities and work independently or cooperatively at different times. This may prevent absences and late arrivals. Parenting is easier when your kids don’t search for ways to skip classes or repeatedly plead with you to let them stay at home.
The multi-age environment and “grace and courtesy” instruction help promote the development of social skills. Teachers don’t discourage students from communicating with each other. Furthermore, they strive to promote politeness and mutual respect. Social abilities hold tremendous importance when adults build personal and business relationships, so this benefit is quite valuable in the long run.

The Montessori Cons

It is important to be critical, too. Here are a few ideas to ponder:

To begin, some students may have difficulty in learning math facts. Children learn concrete concepts from their time in the primary classroom. For example, they learn operations using the decimal system, understanding the reason why, for example, 1231 + 5295 equals 6526.
Next, students in a Montessori environment are in a small community and oftentimes spend years with the same peers. Therefore, this can translate to children developing amazing friendships or it can be a constant learning environment for the development of social skills.
Finally, students may find it difficult to adapt to other schools should they leave before the end of the three-year environment. Because there is a continuum of learning, transitioning at a time when the child has not developed the skills he or she needs to be successful in the other classroom can be difficult.
When you compare Montessori versus traditional preschool, you may come across the results of various studies. Some researchers find that this teaching method boosts academic achievement; others hold the opposite belief. The data tends to suggest that Montessori students perform better in art and English but worse in social studies and math classes.
Montessori doesn’t have standard assessments, and they usually won’t assign grades. This policy makes it harder for parents to track academic progress. Nonetheless, you can identify difficult subjects and help youngsters master them if you take the time to discuss education with your kids and their teachers.
Your child might experience problems when switching from this system to conventional schooling. The two methods involve much different learning processes and expectations. It’s possible to find Montessori elementary, middle and high schools in some regions, so this won’t necessarily become a problem.
Some kids may find it difficult to have so much liberty. If your child doesn’t know what to do without an adult’s direction or always engages in the same activity when given a choice, a Montessori school might not represent the best option. Keep in mind that different parenting styles promote obedience or foster independence and creativity.
After leaving Montessori classrooms, young people may find that other schools and employers fail to appreciate the values associated with their education. The classes don’t prepare them for rigid expectations or schedules. Consequently, students may achieve success as entrepreneurs but struggle to work in accounting, transportation and similar fields.
You might not find a high-quality school in your local area. This could result in long daily commutes or make it impractical for you to choose the Montessori education method. Don’t assume that the nearest school is suitable. Different institutions embrace an assortment of techniques and standards. They may or may not require teachers to become certified.

While this education system certainly offers valuable benefits, it’s more desirable for some kids and families than others. Be sure to think about your location, parenting style, and child’s personality as you consider the above-mentioned Montessori pros and cons. Enthusiastic, independent youngsters frequently thrive and develop the talents needed to play a positive role in society.

In conclusion, at the end of the day, deciding on a Montessori environment requires thought and commitment. However, it will ultimately be a beneficial one, not only for the child but for the entire family.

Marnie