Montessori Learning Shut Down: Is Explicit Instruction to Blame? 2026

Montessori learning is being phased out at Leah's school, raising concerns among parents who believe the shift to explicit instruction is to blame. This change reflects a broader educational debate in Australia, where the Victorian government has mandated explicit instruction in all public schools. For families like Michelle's, whose daughter thrives in a self-directed Montessori environment, this policy feels like a step backward.

What Is Montessori Learning and Why Does It Matter?

Montessori learning is a student-led approach that emphasizes self-directed activity, hands-on learning, and collaborative play. In Montessori classrooms, children choose their own activities and work at their own pace, which can be particularly beneficial for students with medical conditions or learning differences. The method was developed by Dr. Maria Montessori in the early 20th century and has been adopted worldwide.

For students like Leah, who spends time in and out of the hospital, Montessori's flexibility is crucial. As Michelle explains, "With Montessori it's self-directed learning, so wherever you're up to you don't have to compare yourself to the kid next to you." This reduces anxiety and allows students to re-enter the classroom seamlessly after absences.

The Rise of Explicit Instruction in Australian Schools

Explicit instruction is a teacher-led model where educators break down lessons into small, manageable chunks, demonstrate skills, and then guide students through practice. It has gained popularity due to research showing its effectiveness for foundational skills like reading and math. In 2024, Victoria introduced the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model 2.0, which mandates explicit instruction in collaboration with the Australian Education Research Organisation.

However, education experts caution that explicit instruction is not a one-size-fits-all solution. While it works well for certain subjects and age groups, it may stifle creativity and independent thinking in others. The debate has become a "culture war" over educational theory, pitting traditionalists against progressives.

Why Is Montessori Being Phased Out at Templestowe College?

The Montessori stream at Templestowe College, which runs from years 7 to 9, is being discontinued. Parents like Michelle believe this is a direct result of the state government's policy requiring explicit instruction. The school has not publicly confirmed the reason, but the timing aligns with the new mandate.

Michelle founded the Coalition for Choice in Public Schools to fight against the policy. She argues that removing Montessori options limits parental choice and fails to accommodate diverse student needs. "My daughter has a lot of time in hospital and if you're coming back to a mainstream school you're feeling that anxiety because the kids are up to chapter 16 and you don't know what the topic is," she says.

Comparing Montessori and Explicit Instruction

Key Takeaways for Parents and Educators

• Montessori learning supports self-paced, flexible education, which can be vital for students with health challenges.
• Explicit instruction is effective for teaching core subjects but may not suit every learner.
• Policy decisions should consider diverse teaching methods to meet all students' needs.
• Parents should advocate for educational choice in public schools.

Expert Opinions on the Shift

Education researchers note that explicit instruction is "an important method but not the whole solution to improving learning in schools." While it provides structure and clarity, it may reduce opportunities for inquiry-based learning, which fosters problem-solving skills. The challenge is to integrate multiple approaches rather than replacing one with another.

As Victoria moves forward with its mandate, schools may need to adapt to retain flexibility. Some are exploring blended models that combine explicit teaching with student-led projects. This could offer a middle ground, but it requires investment in teacher training and curriculum design.

FAQ