Who founded the Montessori method?

The Montessori method was founded by Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and educator. She developed this educational approach in the early 20th century, emphasizing child-led learning and the development of independence through hands-on experiences and interaction with specially designed educational materials. Montessori believed that children learn best when they are able to explore their environment and engage with learning materials at their own pace. Her philosophy stresses the importance of respecting a child's natural development and fostering a love of learning, which has influenced educational practices around the world.

The other individuals mentioned have made significant contributions to education and child development, but they are associated with different theories and methods. John Dewey focused on experiential learning and democracy in education, Jean Piaget is known for his work on cognitive development in children, and Susan H. Schwartz has contributed to education but is not recognized as a founding figure in Montessori education.