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Latest News |
| 25th
January 2010 / Times of India / Bangalore Edition |
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IGNITED MINDS
Montessori System Better Than Regular School, Say
Teachers
Bangalore: This admission season has revealed some trends
on the concept of pre-school. If the general tendency
of parents is to enrol a child in a school that also has
a pre-school wing, then a few parents are opting for montessori,
which is necessarily not connected with a conventional
school.
Interestingly, some schools have come up with innovative
ideas where they have montessori system as well as regular
school. “We have both systems. But we find a bigger
demand for montessori,” said the spokesperson of
a Bangalorebased top school. Uma Venkatesh, principal
of Aura Montessori Schools, said the number of applicants
has increased by 60% this year compared to 2009. “This
is a remarkable improvement.”
HOW ABOUT COMBINATION?
Some schools follow syllabus that is a combination of
montessori and regular system. For example, Delhi Public
School follows a thematic way of teaching. “In this
combination, there are no textbooks. Children learn subjects
through themes,” said Mansoor Ali Khan, member of
DPS board of management. Such a system is gaining popularity
with parents becoming more aware about its advantages.
Those who feel traditional methods lack quality opt for
this system.
“Children are never taught things in this method.
They learn on their own pace. There is no pressure on
them and this is why I like montessori,” said Vineetha
Goyal, who runs one such school. “Awareness among
parents are high, thanks to the internet, books and reliable
sources. They look for all options, study them and take
a pick,” said Munira Akhtar, principal of Little
Feat Montessori School.
BENEFITS WORKING PARENTS
Another reason attributed to the rise in number of applicants
is the corresponding increase in number of families where
both parents are working.
“Montessori takes in children over two-and-a-half-years-old.
This option is viable for parents trying to maintain work
and family life balance,” Akhtar added. With admission
criteria and fee for the course relatively same with regular
schools, parents choose wisely and make better decisions.
HOW MONTESSORI TAKES THE LEAD
According to teachers, when kids from the two systems
come together in Class 1, those from montessori schools
seem better prepared. Teachers say their reading ability
and comprehension skill are more developed. “They
have a stronger foundation as the concepts are clear,
which boosts their confidence,” said Akhtar. “I
have observed that when parents are busy and don’t
attend to kids, montessori children find ways to engage
themselves. But kindergarten kids go ahead only on further
instructions,” Akhtar explained.
SYSTEM IN BRIEF
Follows a self-directed learning system; children learn
through activities at their own pace Children are never
‘taught’ any subject; they learn through theme
games Method through which different concepts are introduced
varies. Kids learn numbers by seeing quantity. They learn
science through experiment, field trips and nature walks;
motor skills developed through activities Classroom objects
are kept at the child’s reach. The kid can choose
what he/she wants any day, any time Particular syllabus
for students but no time constraint for learning.
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