Montessori vs Steiner Methods

The public school system is the common form of schooling that people like to use as the standard. However, there are other school types that exist. Two of those other types would include the Montessori and Waldorf method. For these two methods, there are similarities and differences when it comes to the teacher role, the play experiences and the curriculum. While the Walforf and Montessori methods are similar, they are also quite different in several ways.
Analysis
The role of the teacher in the Waldorf method is unique in that teachers move up in grade levels alongside their students. In other words, the students will keep the same teacher even as they move up in levels. The teacher is there to support the child’s development and curiosity. There is a great amount of training and workshops that Waldorf teachers must attend, or choose to attend. When it comes to the curriculum itself, there is no focus on gender. Indeed, there is no “boy play” or “girl play”. In fact, the boys and girls do all of the same activities and games. For the earlier grades, there is little to no pressure when it comes to grades, grade point average or anything else like that. There is a focus on natural play materials in all aspect of teaching and learning. Play experiences are a very important part of the Waldorf method. There is a lot of make-believe, pretend play, dress-up and imaginary play. Play can be a student on his/her own, in a parallel fashion, in associative ways and in cooperative ways. DAP is the heart and soul of the Waldorf method.
The teacher’s role in the Montessori method is important. The teachers in a Montessori school must be certified in the method before they are allowed to teach on their own. Once certified, they are the ones that prepare the learning environment. The curriculum has focuses on a number of important life skills. These would include money management, cooking and cleaning. The materials that are used include didactic ones, sensory-driven toys and materials. DAP is considered when it comes to the Montessori method, although it is not a major guiding part of the method. Play experiences will tend to include real-life simulations and models. Social interactions are centered on play. However, there is also a focus on solitary play and living. Age groups are a little spaced out. There are usually children that range in age from three to six years old in the same group. Dramatic play areas are not included. However, there tends to be learning areas that are clearly marked and maintained.
Similarities between the model include that teachers must train in whatever method that they will be existing within once they are certified and/or trained. Both of the curricula are teacher-directed and student-centered. They both allow the children to develop independence and self-support. They both use their methods to teach young children important life skills. Both models are used around the world and not just in one country. When it comes to play experiences, both methods use DAP to develop and deliver unique learning experiences.
One clear difference between the two models is that Montessori uses real-life lessons and teachings for the students. The Waldorf method, by contrast, uses fantasy and imaginary ideas or concepts. The Waldorf method uses more types of teaching and learning. Indeed, Waldorf uses solitary, parallel, associative and cooperative. Montessori only uses social interaction-based play, solitary and cooperative. Curriculum materials in Montessori are refined, developed and created for the lesson at hand. The Waldorf method focuses more on natural materials. Finally, Montessori learning areas are controlled and pre-prepared. By contrast, the Waldorf method allows for the students to create and react to their own lessons and discoveries.