How Alternative Educational Methods?

21st century, latest technological gadgets and modern outlook - we seem to have everything. There's still something which we crave for when it comes to education for our little ones and that is different teaching methods. Why is it that, we, as parents are not satisfied with the teaching methods adopted by schools and colleges? Is it because children are pressurized too much into studying or is it that education in school is only limited to academics?

Whatever be the reason, parents are trying to look for alternative educational methods, wherein their children can not only learn better, but also in an easy way, without stressing them. So, what are the other methods available for parents to explore? As of now, we can find that there are 3 alternative educational methods available for parents and children. They are:

1. Montessori schools 

2. Waldorf/ Steiner schools 

3. Friends schools 

4. Homeschooling

While the Montessori schools and Waldorf schools are gaining popularity among many, friends school and homeschooling are not much known in India. One can find that the Montessori Method of learning is fast catching up in our country as an alternate educational method. Initially, one may notice that the child is not taught on par with the subjects and topics in regular schools, but as they get used to the schedule and pattern of learning, they are exposed to more topics and subjects. With hands on experience given importance to understand the various concepts, children find that they love the very thought of going to school and learning.

Montessori methods not only emphasize on the importance of the child to understand the concepts, but also help them in their overall development. A 7/8yr old child being able to give a speech on a greener planet and global warming with data is something which can mesmerize anyone of us. Yes, this is possible through the Montessori Method, wherein children learn to deliver speeches and take part in debates as early as 8/9years.

The Waldorf method is also on the similar lines, wherein a child's creativity is put to task to imagine and understand everything and also use analytics to analyze the same. One can also find that in this method of teaching/learning, a teacher is given the freedom to choose the syllabus and curriculum that they term fit for the students of their class. This helps the teacher decide on how much to cover in a topic and also how much can the students understand and learn.