Modus Operandi

The most obvious argument in favor of the Montessori method is that it produces children that are smarter, more adaptive to change, and have a stronger sense of community than standard public tools. This has been proven time and time again as students have transferred into mainstreamed public schools and/or leave for college. When you look at the unique teaching style used by Montessori teachers the reason why is clear. The most prominent feature of this style is that students are essentially left to teach themselves by using an array of didactic tools. While teachers are present, their function is merely to guide students through the learning process and to re-direct them if needed. Students are left to co-operate with each other and choose the order in which they do work. Because of the fact that students are more actively taking a part in their education they retain more knowledge. Also, because of the employment of "centers," students better learn to interact with their peers more productively. In addition to teaching subjects such as math, language, and science, a key aspect of the Montessori method is employing practical skills such as sweeping, cleaning dishes, and wiping down tables. In this way, students are taught to be more independent.