Let me first introduce myself, I have been an educator who has worked in varied curriculum's such as ICSE, CIPP, IB and Montessori.
Most often as an educator I come across parents debating upon which method is better for the child. They are often struggling with admissions at preschools and schools. I have my complete sympathies with them, being guided by different people on different education systems, the education jargon's, which in turn leads to a complete turmoil in their heads.
Education in modern times, as much has it is progressive, it has also become a business hub. Educators themselves are confused about methodology and most often they call it a mix of ICSE and IGCSE, Montessori and play-way. There is no such thing as mix, its like providing a mix of tea and coffee to make a new beverage.
An education system, to be a quality one has to follow some basic principles and methodology, be it Play-based OR Montessori.
So now the question arises that how do we know which one is better?
Any education system is the best for your child if it meets the following criterion:
1. Experiential learning- Your child should be able to learn by doing, in other words hands-on activities. You all may have heard of the famous saying "Tell me I forget, show me I remember, let me do it and I understand". Involving kinesthetic learning into the classroom has proved to be the most successful way as it ensures enduring understanding of concepts.
2. Multi modal ways- As goes the theory of Harvard Gardner on multiple intelligences, each one of us have different learning styles. Unless a school cannot recognize the kind of learner your child is, they will never be able to provide him/her with experiences worthy of his/her capacity.
3. Real and rich experiences- A child can only connect and relate to the world around him if the materials offered to him are real and have some significance. Then the child can work with and apply his/her understanding to the outside world. Hence toys are not recommended.
4. Encourages development of skills- Education will remain as a bank of knowledge unless you possess the skills to apply it in the appropriate way. Therefore, life skills such as independence, thinking, communication, questioning and social skills are a crucial part of any academic institution.
Most often teachers/institutions refrain from developing these skills among students, out of the fear of making them independent. As once these skills are enhanced it could pose a threat to some such business oriented organizations.
5. Student/teacher ratio- This is extremely crucial for optimum development of children. Again some organizations will insist on having many children in a small little space, justifying a minimal fee structure. Don't be fooled by it.
6. Development of values- We live in a society and by nature human beings are considered to be gregarious. Therefore values such as sharing, extending a helping hand, showing empathy, tolerance, and respect are key elements to being a good human!
We as parents must choose what is the best for our child's development. Let us all get out of this rigmarole as life is not a race but a journey to be savored each step of the way.
Most often as an educator I come across parents debating upon which method is better for the child. They are often struggling with admissions at preschools and schools. I have my complete sympathies with them, being guided by different people on different education systems, the education jargon's, which in turn leads to a complete turmoil in their heads.
Education in modern times, as much has it is progressive, it has also become a business hub. Educators themselves are confused about methodology and most often they call it a mix of ICSE and IGCSE, Montessori and play-way. There is no such thing as mix, its like providing a mix of tea and coffee to make a new beverage.
An education system, to be a quality one has to follow some basic principles and methodology, be it Play-based OR Montessori.
So now the question arises that how do we know which one is better?
Any education system is the best for your child if it meets the following criterion:
1. Experiential learning- Your child should be able to learn by doing, in other words hands-on activities. You all may have heard of the famous saying "Tell me I forget, show me I remember, let me do it and I understand". Involving kinesthetic learning into the classroom has proved to be the most successful way as it ensures enduring understanding of concepts.
2. Multi modal ways- As goes the theory of Harvard Gardner on multiple intelligences, each one of us have different learning styles. Unless a school cannot recognize the kind of learner your child is, they will never be able to provide him/her with experiences worthy of his/her capacity.
3. Real and rich experiences- A child can only connect and relate to the world around him if the materials offered to him are real and have some significance. Then the child can work with and apply his/her understanding to the outside world. Hence toys are not recommended.
4. Encourages development of skills- Education will remain as a bank of knowledge unless you possess the skills to apply it in the appropriate way. Therefore, life skills such as independence, thinking, communication, questioning and social skills are a crucial part of any academic institution.
Most often teachers/institutions refrain from developing these skills among students, out of the fear of making them independent. As once these skills are enhanced it could pose a threat to some such business oriented organizations.
5. Student/teacher ratio- This is extremely crucial for optimum development of children. Again some organizations will insist on having many children in a small little space, justifying a minimal fee structure. Don't be fooled by it.
6. Development of values- We live in a society and by nature human beings are considered to be gregarious. Therefore values such as sharing, extending a helping hand, showing empathy, tolerance, and respect are key elements to being a good human!
We as parents must choose what is the best for our child's development. Let us all get out of this rigmarole as life is not a race but a journey to be savored each step of the way.
