Control of Error (Montessori)
From Montepedia
Control of Error is a fundamental principle in Montessori education that allows a child to assess their own progress and correct mistakes independently.[1] This feature of Montessori activities promotes self-regulation, protects the child's self-esteem, and fosters self-motivation. Control of error is considered an essential component of auto-education or self-education.
Montessori Quotes
- "To correct the mistakes of the child is to substitute oneself for the Directress (the environment). The teacher must always realize that the child who concentrates is extraordinarily sensitive to the lightest touch."[2]
- "The control of error through the senses, which has already begun to characterize the exercises of practical life, is a fundamental fact in our system."[3]
Research and Critiques
- Pros: The control of error principle supports the development of self-regulation and autonomy. Studies show that such self-correction processes can enhance learning outcomes and foster intrinsic motivation.[4]
- Cons: Critics argue that this approach may lead to missed learning opportunities if a child consistently fails to recognize or correct their errors. There's also concern about the lack of direct feedback from teachers.[5]
Comparisons to Other Methods
Traditional education often relies on external correction of errors, with the teacher providing feedback and corrections. In contrast, the Montessori method emphasizes the child's independent identification and rectification of mistakes.[6]
See Also
References
- ↑ Montessori, M. (1912). The Montessori Method. Frederick A. Stokes Company.
- ↑ Montessori, M. (1912). The Montessori Method. Frederick A. Stokes Company.
- ↑ Montessori, M. (1912). The Montessori Method. Frederick A. Stokes Company.
- ↑ Lillard, A. (2017). Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius. Oxford University Press.
- ↑ Egan, K. (2002). Getting it wrong from the beginning: Our progressivist inheritance from Herbert Spencer, John Dewey, and Jean Piaget. Yale University Press.
- ↑ Mooney, C. (2013). Theories of Childhood, Second Edition: An Introduction to Dewey, Montessori, Erikson, Piaget & Vygotsky. Redleaf Press.
