A preschool teacher wants project-based activities that are self-guided and involve collaboration to solve real-life problems; which approach best fits?

• A. Reggio Emilia
• B. Montessori
• C. HighScope
• D. Universal Design for Learning

Answer: (A)

Learning that grows from children’s own questions through collaborative, self-guided projects tied to real-life issues is a hallmark of the Reggio Emilia approach. In this view, the environment acts as the “third teacher,” and children work together to explore meaningful questions over time. Teachers document their learning, reflect with students and families, and the curriculum unfolds from emergent interests, allowing kids to take the lead while adults support, questions, and extend thinking. This setup naturally supports self-direction, collaboration, and authentic problem solving in everyday life.

Montessori emphasizes independent, hands-on work with carefully prepared materials and more structured guidance, which can be less about group inquiry driven by collective questions. HighScope uses a consistent plan-do-review process with strong teacher facilitation and a set daily routine, which provides active learning but leans more toward teacher-led structure. Universal Design for Learning focuses on making curricula accessible through multiple means of engagement and expression, a valuable framework, but it isn’t itself the project-based, collaborative approach described here.