What inspired Montessori to begin her work in early education?

Maria Montessori was inspired to begin her work in early education primarily due to her experiences with children who had learning disabilities, especially those with serious cognitive delays. Her early involvement as a physician, specifically her work with children in an asylum, exposed her to the ways traditional educational methods often failed to meet the needs of these learners. This led her to develop a child-centered educational approach that emphasized the importance of observing children and understanding their developmental needs. By focusing on the unique capabilities of each child, she devised methods that allowed all children, regardless of their challenges, to thrive in a nurturing and supportive environment. Her work laid the foundation for the Montessori method, which highlights self-directed activity, hands-on learning, and collaborative play. This approach contrasts sharply with the other options, which do not accurately reflect the core motivations behind Montessori’s pioneering educational philosophy.