View source for Control of Error (Montessori)/en

<languages/>
'''Control of Error''' is a fundamental principle in Montessori education that allows a child to assess their own progress and correct mistakes independently.<ref>Montessori, M. (1912). The Montessori Method. Frederick A. Stokes Company.</ref> 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."<ref>Montessori, M. (1912). The Montessori Method. Frederick A. Stokes Company.</ref>

*"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."<ref>Montessori, M. (1912). The Montessori Method. Frederick A. Stokes Company.</ref>

== 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.<ref>Lillard, A. (2017). Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius. Oxford University Press.</ref>

*'''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.<ref>Egan, K. (2002). Getting it wrong from the beginning: Our progressivist inheritance from Herbert Spencer, John Dewey, and Jean Piaget. Yale University Press.</ref>

== 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.<ref>Mooney, C. (2013). Theories of Childhood, Second Edition: An Introduction to Dewey, Montessori, Erikson, Piaget & Vygotsky. Redleaf Press.</ref>

== See Also ==

*[[Montessori Method]]
*[[Practical Life (Montessori)]]
*[[Prepared Environment (Montessori)]]

{{Glossary of Montessori Terms}}

== References ==

<references/>