A huge amount of research has been done for early childhood education (ECE) over the years, aiming to come up with the most suitable educational theory and method teachers could use in the classrooms. One popular way of educating children is the Montessori education, which is a specific child-centered method of teaching which involves activities that are led by a child, or referred to as “work”. It also encourages independence among students.
Now, if you are choosing a pre-school for your child, which is not always easy, and decided to try the Montessori method, you have to consider all factors. Weigh down its pros and cons to have a good place to start.
List of Pros of Montessori Education
1. It offers a higher level of excitement while learning.
A usual complaint against the current public schools today is that students’ desire to learn is gone. With quizzes, exams and high-stake tests, the natural excitement children have about learning is eliminated quickly. However, with Montessori education, the desire to learn is not hindered and is even allowed to grow. So, your child would quickly find his interests and would continue this into adulthood.
2. It teaches the child to be independent.
With a Montessori style education, students are allowed free reign around the classroom as they learn for themselves, but aided by a teacher while they are at it. This lets school children dig deeper into their interests, instead of being forced to learn things in a way that does not match their real interests.
3. It allows the child to learn at a pace that works for him.
While traditional schooling plays to the strength of one or more styles of teaching, which does very little for students who learn differently, Montessori education assumes that children would find the best means of learning by themselves. However, it still includes listening to instructors, reading and creating things, of course.
List of Cons of Montessori Education
1. It is costly.
Like other private schools, Montessori educational institutions cost much money in order to enroll your child. With the high costs of private schooling in general, many people might not be able to afford Montessori education for their children. While there are financial aid programs that you can avail, it can still be very challenging to get this type of schooling due to competition.
2. It may pose difficulty for children to transitioning to normal classrooms.
It is observed that children coming from Montessori schools were having a difficult time re-adjusting to more structured schooling systems once they transition.
3. Its less-instruction setting might not be good for all students.
While lack of structure could be helpful for some children, others might not have the same experience. This is especially true if they are coming from a more traditional public school.
Conclusion
The structure of Montessori education made some educators and teachers loving it, while others do not. The same goes for you as parent, where you would see whether your child is thriving in the school environment or not. The pros and cons listed above will be very helpful in this time of your life.