Is Montessori Really Worth the Investment?
/“The teacher, when she begins work in our schools, must have a kind of faith that the child will reveal himself through work.”
Does it really matter how your child learns, as long as he learns?
Educational mindset
Education can largely be viewed two ways:
Teaching children what to learn
Teaching children how to learn
Most educational models strike some sort of balance between these two views.
So the question is: Does it really matter how your child learns, as long as he learns?
We think yes.
The cost of education
It’s true, most of the concepts taught in a Montessori education are also taught in most other educational models, including traditional education.
So why spend tuition money on a Montessori school when there’s a free option teaching the same things?
The difference goes far beyond the “what” of education. A Montessori education is much more concerned with the “how” of education.
It’s important to ensure our students are taught common concepts. Yes. They need to have basic math skills to help them become functional adults. They need to be able to read. A basic appreciation and understanding of the founding of our nation and its government is necessary.
And you can rest assured, almost any school you choose for your child will work hard to teach him these skills and ideas.
But education has value far beyond just what is taught.
How you approach education lays a foundation for the future
Montessorians believe that there are some non-negotiables when it comes to education. But they also believe education doesn’t stop there.
In a Montessori approach, teachers act as more of a guide than an instructor. They strive to give the student ownership of his own learning. This sets the stage for a lifelong learner by instilling:
Confidence
Responsibility
Appreciation
Passion
Confidence
A student who is allowed choice in his education from the beginning learns to trust himself to find answers. He pursues knowledge with the belief that he is capable of teaching himself.
With this confidence comes the ability to recognize when it’s appropriate to seek help. There’s no longer the constant fight for independence. He’s been given independence and freedom, so he can feel comfortable recognizing when it’s time to rely on the assistance of others.
Responsibility
As a guide, a Montessori teacher doesn’t micromanage the education of the student. Her role is no longer to prescribe work and tirelessly keep track of assignments, scores, and grades. She passes this responsibility on to the student.
The saying “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink it” is fully recognized in a Montessori education. So instead of the teacher taking on the impossible responsibility of student learning, the teacher allows the student to take responsibility for his own education.
The student chooses his work. He recognizes his interests, and within the parameters of what must be learned and accomplished, he makes the day-to-day decisions on how to get there.
This practice from a young age helps a student recognize his own freedom within the limits of his responsibilities.
Appreciation
A Montessori education naturally lends itself to a child’s appreciation for learning.
Students have selection over what subjects they pursue in depth. They select the materials they use for practicing concepts. They are given the freedom to choose when, where, and how they work.
Children have a natural desire to learn. They are wired for it. The Montessori approach leans into this natural inclination. Instead of forcing adult motives and timelines on children, a Montessori education recognizes the child’s natural hunger for knowledge and feeds it.
In this way, the student and the teacher are able to work together as a team. The student is uplifted as a learner, and both teacher and student pursue learning together.
Through this cooperative learning, the student’s view of education is one of excitement, enthusiasm, and appreciation for a common goal.
Passion
Similar to confidence, responsibility, and appreciation, a Montessori education helps a student learn to discover and pursue his passions. He has the time and space in a Montessori classroom to assess what interests him. Moreover, he is encouraged to take these interests and dig deeper.
Students are recognized as unique individuals. So instead of prescribing a one-size-fits-all unit or lesson, teachers shape work, lessons, and units to fit individual student interests.
This feeds students’ passions. It also feeds their appreciation for education. In addition, they feel a responsibility to pursue learning when it’s something they’ve chosen for themselves. Finally, it gives them confidence and helps them recognize they are ultimately in charge of their choices and growth.
The value of education
So, while cost is an important factor to consider when deciding about your child’s education, value might be even more-so.
A child’s outlook on learning is something he’ll carry with him for a lifetime. He’ll need problem-solving skills and common sense. He’ll need a lot more than facts he memorized for a test once.
A Montessori education’s entire approach aims to set up students to be confident, responsible, enthusiastic, passionate lifelong learners.
When it comes down to it, facts can be easily found in today’s day and age. Facts are literally at our fingertips. So what is learned is no longer the only thing that’s important.
How a person learns helps shape who he will become. Education plays a huge role in this formation of a person. And we believe that a Montessori education is a model that respectfully, lovingly, and holistically develops the child to be the very best adult he can be.