What does the term 'auto-education' refer to in Montessori?

The term 'auto-education' in Montessori refers to the process by which children learn independently through exploration and self-discovery. This concept is central to the Montessori philosophy, emphasizing that children are natural learners who can guide their own education when provided with the right environment and resources.

In a Montessori setting, children are encouraged to choose their own activities and materials, thus allowing them to engage with their interests deeply and at their own pace. This fosters intrinsic motivation and active participation in their learning journey. Children learn from their experiences and through interaction with their peers and the prepared environment, making education a personal and meaningful endeavor.

This approach contrasts with methods where educators dictate learning paths or control the learning process, highlighting the importance of autonomy and self-directed learning in the Montessori methodology.