What is Auto-Education? {Montessori’s Control of Error}

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Once the teacher trains on the method and prepares spiritually to direct a class, she focuses on giving lessons introducing the child to the materials. From there the child leads his learning to experience with his own “hands” with control of error built into the works to enable auto-education.

Montessori's Control of Error

“Montessori materials are designed so that the child receives instant feedback as he works, allowing him to recognize, correct, and learn from his mistakes without adult assistance. Putting control of the activity in the child’s hands strengthens his self-esteem and self-motivation as well as his learning.” (Source: American Montessori Society)

What is Auto-Education?

The teacher observes the child and knows when to intervene to direct the child back to an activity that suits his development. If the child is not treating material properly, then the teacher will redirect the child either to end that work (perhaps he was not ready to complete that work) or to give another lesson on that work. The child learns respect through these experiences.

Every piece of material in the Montessori classroom contains a “control of error”, the ability for the child to self-correct and for the teacher to stand back to observe and then to guide when necessary. “This self-correction leads the child to concentrate his attention upon the differences of dimension, and to compare the various pieces.” {Montessori: A Modern Approach}

Control of Error is automatic feedback that tells the child he needs to make an adjustment in order to complete the work successfully.

No teacher needs to intervene in the learning process: “The goal is that the child will develop a sense of satisfaction from the work itself, not be dependent on the approval of a teacher.” (The Montessori Controversy) A child learn to make his own decisions and therefore to know and comprehend his instincts effectively. He develops confidence and the ability to problem solve.

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Marnie