With personalized approaches to learning, how are children measured? How is progress marked, especially against their peers? As an example, here is how competition plays out specifically in the Montessori classroom.

First of all, there’s a misconception that Montessori students don’t compete. That’s not quite the case.

Montessori students are fierce competitors. As a matter of fact, we think that in many respects, they are more healthy competitors than the traditional students they’re often compared against.

Why?

Because Montessori students compete with themselves. They’re not trying to measure up to their peers. They’re trying to meet, and then exceed their own expectations. This fosters a love of learning rather than a love of simply ‘winning.’

Imagine, for instance, two students locked in a heated race to see who could achieve the results of a math problem the fastest. The winner only needs to beat their opponent. They don’t need to beat themselves.

Our own personal best is what keeps us striving. Not to mention, when competing against oneself, no one has to fail in order for others to succeed.

How does this idea of competition compare to your experiences, or that of your children?

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