Powell Vs Montessori

Which is more preferable, education based on freedom or an education based on structure? Colin Powell’s “Kids Need Structure”, and Maria Montessori’s “Freedom”, each talk about how they believe children should be educated. After reading these two texts, one can see the differences in their views on raising and educating children.
In “Freedom”, Maria Montessori develops the idea that the role of an educator is to be a guider and observer. “She mays be always ready to supply the desired help, but may never be the obstacle between the child and his experience” (paragraph 1). The role of an educator, as stated, is to be a guider so that the child can unfold freely into who they want to be. The educator just needs to be there to keep the

child on track. To support this point Maria also says, “let us have endless patience with his slow progress, and show enthusiasm and gladness at his success” (paragraph 4). Patience and time is needed to wait for the child to unfold. Being there for support is important for their success.
Maria also has another point about how children should be able to educate themselves freely. “They are the inner cry of life, which wishes to unfold according to mysterious laws.” (paragraph 7) Each child is different, so we may not know how they shape. If we let them be free, we might be surprised by who they become. Maria’s thought is to “leave the life free to develop within the limits of good” (paragraph 8). We should keep them free, but we must guide children to keep them on track. There is many limits a child can reach which proper guidance and freedom.
Colin Powell, however, believes differently from Maria. “The education process begins even before the child is born.” (paragraph 9) Colin is stating that you need to prepare to teach the child before they are even born. Without parents early care, children will be different from others. He also states that “it begins the first time a child in a mothers arms looks up...that’s when you start to imprint on the child” (paragraph 8). A child’s success is based on the imprint from their parents. If children are taught respect and structure from the beginning, they are more likely to succeed in life.
Colin’s second point is that if children are taught structure, they will not succeed in life. He says that child without structure “ act out, and they’re on their way to jail or they’re on their way to being dropouts” (paragraph 9). Behavior can be predicted through young educational experiences. If kids are taught properly, dropout rates would be lower. Colin also states, “we have the highest incarceration rate because we’re not getting our kids the proper start in life” (paragraph 9). The background of a child’s life will have a major impact on their future. Parents must teach them structure and make them obey so that they can succeed throughout their life.
Beyond question, we can see the different views Powell and Montessori have on educating and raising children. Although their views differ, each of their goals is to properly educate children in the way they believe. No matter which path is chosen, a child should be successful according to their path.