The traditional classroom plan evolved from the desire to contain a group of students and focus their attention on the teacher, who would pass along information much in the tradition of oral history. This style of education is based on a shared understanding of language and the ability for the teacher to converse with the student. Thus we have the traditional classroom that is familiar to many of us, and remains (basically) the same. These classrooms are housing education, but in no way facilitate education. If the teacher is removed, the learning stops.>>

The Montessori classroom does not require a focal point, but does require many different working areas and well defined circulation paths to allow for independent activity. The teacher is not required for learning to take place. Until recently, most Montessori schools have moved into existing buildings, and traditional classrooms are set up as open concept classrooms. Teachers will permit that these classrooms are acceptable, but are not ideal for the Montessori Philosophy. So what would they change? Click here to hear it from the teachers own mouths!<<