Online vs Offline Montessori Teachers Training: Which is Better?

When it comes to becoming a Montessori teacher, one of the biggest decisions you will make is choosing the right training program. The Montessori method, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori over a hundred years ago is child-centered, where students learn through hands-on activities and self-directed exploration. For educators who want to teach using this approach, getting Montessori certified is essential. But today’s prospective teachers have the option of training online or offline.

With the rise of online education it’s important to know the differences between online vs offline Montessori teacher training. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. In this blog post we’ll compare the two to help you decide which is best for your educational goals, learning style and lifestyle.

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What is Montessori Education?

The foundations of the Montessori educational approach are collaborative play, hands-on learning, and self-directed learning. Children learn by their initiative in Montessori classrooms, with age-appropriate activities provided by the highly qualified instructor and the classroom itself. Children explore and learn about the world while working both independently and in groups to reach their full potential.

Beautifully constructed spaces created to cater to the needs of kids within a certain age range are known as Montessori classrooms. Dr. Maria Montessori found that a stronger grasp of language, math, physics, music, social interactions, and many other subjects resulted from actual learning in this kind of classroom.

Every resource in a Montessori classroom serves a different part of a child’s development by matching the activities to the child’s interests. Children can learn at their own pace and through personal experience. They can build a foundation for lifelong learning and respond instantly to the natural curiosity that we all have.

What is the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI)?

Maria Montessori founded the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) in 1929 to protect her work and to establish strict guidelines for teacher training programs and schools. AMI works with the latest research in child development and neuroscience to keep Maria Montessori’s vision relevant today. Teachers who complete a Montessori training program can work with children from birth to 12.

What is Montessori Training?

Often referred to as “training,” Montessori teacher education differs from traditional teacher education. The Montessori educational system is a comprehensive framework that follows a person’s growth from infancy to adulthood. Students are thoroughly trained in the particular materials and teachings that comprise Montessori practice during their training, which fully immerses them in the model.

Programs for training consist of:

• A thorough analysis of Montessori’s human development model
• Grounding in Montessori concepts such as observation, independence, and responsibility, as well as the prepared environment.
• Training in the entire set of Montessori materials and lessons for the age range being studied.
• Observation and student instruction in Montessori classrooms

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Online vs Offline Montessori Teachers Training: Which is Better?

Online vs Offline Montessori Teachers’ Training is a very prevalent debate going on right now. Both of them have pros and cons of their own. Let us analyse these to decide which is best for you, online or offline training.

Mode of Education

Teachers can teach students in virtual classrooms for online learning. As long as they have internet access, students can access learning resources anywhere. Teachers also have online learning resources available to them in online classrooms, such as live chats with students, virtual conference rooms, virtual whiteboards, audio, animations, and videos.

But offline learning gives students an immersive experience in a traditional classroom setting. Students can actively participate in real-time discussions and debates, and intimate communication with their lecturers. Children also have access to extracurricular activities like art and physical education, which support their overall growth intellectually and physically.

Accessibility

The ability to take classes online from anywhere in the world is one of their biggest advantage. Students just need to log in and access the learning materials from the comfort of their homes, wherever they are. Students can now attend classes without leaving the comfort of their homes thanks to apps like Microsoft Teams and Zoom. So location flexibility is offered by online learning.

But students need to go to their school to attend offline classes. Classes are held in a dedicated space usually a physical classroom or lecture hall. Some students may have a long commute to get to their different schools which can be very inconvenient.

Time Management

Time management is a big problem for students who take online programs. Online students don’t have a set schedule and can easily get distracted by many things. Because of self-paced learning, students may find it hard to maintain a regular schedule and may develop a procrastination habit. Also, because they need to be online in their classrooms for a long time, students may find themselves checking their social media or browsing the internet for distractions.

When taking classes offline, students need to follow a strict schedule set by their lecturers. Also because synchronous learning is used, students need to finish their assignments and projects on time.

Flexibility of Classes

The biggest advantage of online learning is the flexibility of the classes. Students can learn at their own pace without any added pressure. Students can also attend classes anytime they want because they have access to recorded videos and online reading materials. Also, it gives students more time to process the content and do their assignments or research at their own pace. But for offline learning, there’s some inflexibility. Since there are no pre-recorded videos or notes available, students need to be on time for their classes or sessions. So their school has a strict schedule for them to follow.

Student-Teacher Interaction

There is plenty of interaction among students and teachers over the online platform, despite the widespread misconception that there is little to no engagement in online education. Students can communicate with their teachers at any time or place by taking online classes. Two-way communication is another feature of online classrooms that greatly enhances learning. Furthermore, in online classes, communication between the teacher and students might occur synchronously or asynchronously.

When classes are held offline, there is in-person interaction, particularly because instruction is synchronous. Students and professors engage in exciting conversations and debates because of their active communication. Additionally, it enables students to ask questions right away and get answers quickly. To engage students, teachers are adjusting to new teaching methods.

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Technical Issues

Technical issues are a constant headache for online learning. Online courses require access to the right technology – computers, webcams, microphones, headphones, and a working internet connection. And technical issues like a slow internet or no proper infrastructure can make learning tough. Downloading videos or notes and watching live lectures can be a challenge for students.

But technical issues rarely are a problem for offline classes. Since most learning happens in physical classrooms, neither teachers nor students need to be tech savvy and technical issues are rarely a big deal outside of classes that require computers or presentations.

Practical Learning

Online learning is fully virtual and theoretical. This makes it difficult for pupils to participate in the equally vital practical components of learning. Students must be physically present to conduct live experiments or actively participate in subjects like chemistry, physics, biology, art, and sports.

Unlike online classes, offline classes offer a stimulating environment that integrates the theoretical and practical components of learning. This helps students with the general development of their skills and cognitive abilities. You may learn and swiftly adjust to everyday obstacles and settings through practical learning, which also helps you comprehend teachings better.

Online vs Offline Montessori Teachers Training: Which to Choose?

From all the points discussed above, we can see that online learning has a little bit more advantage over offline learning in the Online vs Offline Montessori Teachers Training debate. Especially accessibility, time flexibility and self-paced learning a big factors as Montessori teaching is a sector mostly occupied by women. Many women give up on their education because they cannot attend classes at an institution due to lack of money or time for commute. Some might also have small children that need to be taken care of and other family commitments.

Online Montessori Teachers Training courses are a big blessing to people who gave up on their dreams because of the lack of accessibility posed by offline courses. But now comes the question How do we choose the best Online Montessori Teachers Training course?

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How to Choose the Best Online Montessori Teachers Training Course?

Some tips to keep in mind while choosing your Online Montessori Teachers Training course are listed below.

Examine the Instructional Structure

One can watch videos or take part in interactive sessions as part of a program. You can progress at your own pace or as a group.

Assess the Time Commitment

A month or two is all it takes to complete certain Montessori programs. Some will require several years. Programs with MACTE accreditation demand a large time commitment. Make sure you can dedicate a few hours each week to studying.

Check Out the Instructors

You should receive instruction from seasoned experts with reputable qualifications. It is a good idea to “check their background, qualification, and experience,” as the AP Teacher Training Institute advises.

Think About the Cost

Cost will most likely play a role in your choice of courses. You can watch free online training if money is truly a concern.

Best Online Montessori Teachers Training Course

We have discussed everything that needs to be considered before choosing an Online Montessori Teachers Training Course. Now we are suggesting a course that is best in the sector for you. Have you heard of the Entri Elevate Montessori Teachers Training course?

The goal of the Entri Elevate Montessori Teachers Training program is to prepare educators to use the Montessori approach to teaching. Lesson preparation, curriculum creation, classroom administration, and child psychology are just a few of the topics it addresses. The goal of our course is to provide educators with the abilities and information required to establish a productive and encouraging learning environment for the students they teach.

Besides this, the course certificate is recognised by several international institutions such as:

• CEED International
• American Association of Teachers and Trainers
• UK Certifications

Click to learn more about Entri Elevate Montessori Teachers Training program! 

Online vs Offline Montessori Teachers Training: Conclusion

There are advantages and disadvantages of both offline and online Montessori training. At the end of the day, it’s a matter of personal preference, available resources, career aspirations, and time.

Choose Montessori training if you prefer flexibility, lower costs, and an online, independent pace of study. Offline training would be more suitable if you want to have more practical experience, direct mentoring, and face-to-face experience.

Either path will result in a rewarding Montessori profession. Ultimately, there is no right or wrong program; the best program is the one that suits your learning style and career aspirations. Regardless of whether you look online or at offline resources, keeping in mind that Montessori is mainly about following the child’s interests to foster their learning is the foundation of Montessori.

Whatever you choose, the experience of becoming a Montessori educator is life-changing and one of the most fulfilling ways to truly affect children’s lives and education.