pedagogy
PED-uh-goj-ee
/ˈped.ə.ɡɒdʒ.i/
The method and practice of teaching, especially as an academic subject or theoretical concept.
Focuses on the strategies, philosophy, and craft of how knowledge is imparted to learners.
The story behind the word. In ancient Greece, a 'paidagōgos' was an educated slave assigned to escort boys to school, carry their books, and supervise their behavior. Over time, the word evolved to refer to the actual practice of teaching.
Word relationships
- didactics: Didactics focuses specifically on instructional instruction rules, whereas pedagogy covers broader social and emotional teaching goals.
Commonly confused with
- andragogy: Andragogy refers specifically to methods used to teach adults, whereas pedagogy originally focused on teaching children.
Word family
- pedagogical (adjective): Relating to teaching methods.
- pedagogue (noun): A teacher, especially a strict or pedantic one.
Collocations
- pedagogical approach
- critical pedagogy
- modern pedagogy
- innovative pedagogy
Example sentences
- "Constructivist pedagogy asserts that students learn best by actively building their own knowledge." Teacher Training
Memory hook
PEDA (child) + GOG (lead): leading a child toward knowledge. Leading young minds.
When not to use
Do not use simply to mean 'teaching'; pedagogy refers specifically to the theory and methodology behind teaching.
Fun facts
- Paolo Freire's 1968 book 'Pedagogy of the Oppressed' is one of the most cited books in social sciences worldwide.
Related words
Explore more words
methodology, paradigm, upbringing, educate, jurisprudence, Training
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