Montessori Minds Booklet 
download
25 Princes Highway, Norlane VIC 3214
(03) 5222 8135
contact@montessoriminds.com.au 
Mon-Fri: 7:00 am – 6:00 pm
Montessori education emphasises the use of manipulative materials that promote hands-on learning and independent exploration.
In contrast, traditional education relies more on rote memorisation and passive learning through textbooks and lectures.
| TRADITIONAL / CONVENTIONAL SYSTEM | MONTESSORI |
| Child follows curriculum | Curriculum follows child |
| Focus on academic work | Focus on holistic human development |
| Rate of progress determined by curriculum | Rate of progress determined by the child i.e curriculum is developmental |
| Curriculum is often segregated | Curriculum is integrated |
| Curriculum is central to education | Curriculum is an aid to education |
| The role of the teacher is to impart knowledge | The role of the teacher is to observe and support the child in the process of self construction |
Overall, Montessori education encourages self-directed learning and the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Traditional education, on the other hand, focuses more on the transmission of knowledge.