Montessori	Traditional
Mainly individual instruction	Mainly group instruction
Mixed-age groups	Same-age groups
Children work at their own pace	Group sets instructional pace
Environment and method encourage self-discipline	Teacher acts as enforcer of discipline

In a Montessori classroom, the children set their own learning pace. Progress is not dictated by the average progress of the class or by school board timelines. The self-governing learning process removes any sense of failure. Direction from the teacher is only provided as needed. Beyond this the children are guided to work independently, thus developing the ability to learn effectively on their own. The end goal of a Montessori education is to develop a well-rounded, excellently socialized individual with a rational, inquisitive, well-organized mind.