Question 1

Montessori's work combined her background in which fields?

Accepted Answer

Maria Montessori's work in developing the Montessori method of education drew on her background in psychology, medicine, and education. She was one of the first women to graduate from the University of Rome Medical School and her work in psychiatry, educational theory, and anthropology informed her educational approach.

Question 2

Based on her work with children with developmental disabilities, (so-called "defective children"), what did Montessori see the need for children to engage in?

Accepted Answer

Maria Montessori emphasized the importance of productive, hands-on work in the development of children, particularly those with developmental disabilities. She believed that engaging in practical, meaningful activities facilitated learning and development more effectively than traditional, teacher-directed methods.

Question 3

What was the origin of Montessori's first program for children?

Accepted Answer

Maria Montessori opened her first program, Casa dei Bambini or "Children's House," in 1907 for poor children in the San Lorenzo district of Rome, Italy. This innovative educational approach focused on child-led learning.

Question 4

Montessori's program was widely embraced by the public. Why did professionals in the early childhood field NOT agree with her methods?

Accepted Answer

Professionals in the early childhood field, particularly those influenced by progressive educational theories, often emphasized play as a central component of learning. They viewed Montessori's emphasis on repetitive, purposeful work as being at odds with their belief in the importance of play for young children's development.

Question 5

What captured the public's attention first about Montessori's method?

Accepted Answer

Montessori's method first captured public attention through the observation of children's deep engagement and concentration on tasks, as they worked repetitively with the didactic materials designed by Maria Montessori. This aspect highlighted the effectiveness of her educational approach in fostering independent learning and focus among young learners.

Question 6

What did Montessori believe about children's development?

Accepted Answer

Maria Montessori believed that children develop through spontaneous activity guided by an inner drive. This philosophy underpins the Montessori method of education, which emphasizes self-directed activity, hands-on learning, and collaborative play.

Question 7

Montessori believed children learn through:

Accepted Answer

Montessori education emphasizes learning through sensory experiences and interacting with the environment, allowing children to explore and discover on their own.

Question 8

Montessori laid out three key roles of the early childhood teacher; which one is NOT one of these?

Accepted Answer

Montessori emphasized the teacher's role as a guide or facilitator rather than an active participant in children's play. The teacher prepares the environment, presents materials, and observes the children, allowing them to explore and learn independently.

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT one of the key ideas Montessori believed about children's development?

Accepted Answer

Maria Montessori believed that children go through significant developmental stages at all ages, including rapid development during the preschool years. This contradicts the statement in option D, making it the incorrect choice regarding her beliefs.

Question 10

Montessori believed the following are driving forces in children's development, EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Montessori emphasized guided activities and structured environments to support children's development, rather than unguided time for open-ended activities.

Question 11

Montessori based her method and sequencing of activities based on:

Accepted Answer

Maria Montessori based her educational method on the concept of sensitive periods in children's development, recognizing that children go through specific stages where they are more receptive to learning different skills.

Question 12

What is the definition of auto-education?

Accepted Answer

Auto-education refers to the process of learning that is self-directed, often facilitated by the use of didactic materials that allow learners to explore and understand concepts at their own pace and interest.

Question 13

What is the sequence of actions teachers should take to support children's drives and needs?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the sequence of actions teachers...

Question 14

Montessori believed teachers' influence on children should be:

Accepted Answer

Montessori advocated for an educational approach where the teacher's role is to guide rather than instruct directly, allowing children to learn through their own experiences and at their own pace. This indirect, yet intentional, method is designed to foster independence and self-motivation in learners.

Quiz 10: Montessori Education: Environment, Materials, and Methods