Who developed the Montessori Schools where children learn through active exploration of the environment?

The correct answer is Maria Montessori, who is the founder of the Montessori method of education. This approach emphasizes hands-on learning, self-directed activity, and collaborative play, allowing children to explore their environment and learn at their own pace. Montessori believed that children have an innate desire to learn and that they should be allowed to engage with their surroundings in a structured yet flexible manner. The classrooms are designed to encourage children to choose their activities, fostering independence and critical thinking.

While other educators, such as Lev Vygotsky, Jean Piaget, and John Dewey, have made significant contributions to educational theory and practice, their methods differ from Montessori's emphasis on self-directed exploration. Vygotsky focused on social interaction and culture's role in cognitive development, Piaget explored stages of cognitive development, and Dewey championed experiential learning within societal contexts. Montessori's unique approach provides a distinct environment that caters to the natural development of the child, particularly through active exploration.