Introduction to Pedagogy and Learning Theories Theoretical Perspectives in Teaching and Learning: an overview

 

Introduction:

The word “pedagogy” is traced with history for its known proliferations. Pedagogy is originated from Greek word “paidagogeo”, where “paido” means “child” and “ago” means “lead”. Therefore, initially the word pedagogy implied to lead a child.

According to Latin derivation pedagogy is simply child-instruction. Figuratively, it defines the methods used to teach children and the methods used in teaching in formal schooling context which includes children, youths and adults. In educational terms “andragogy” means adult-learning. Andragogy implies methods, arts and science used to teach adults, those that used in adult education.

Some people often confused the term “demagogy” and “pedagogy”. However, demagogy means use of political strategies to gain power.

Pedagogy means different things to different people. Among them the most famous sayings are:

1.       “study of being a teacher or the process of teaching” – Wikipedia definition –

2.       “Pedagogy refers to that set of instructional techniques and strategies which enable learning to take place and provide opportunities for the acquisition of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and dispositions within a particular social and material context. It refers to the interactive processes between teacher and learner and to the learning environment, the family and the community” – Siraj – Blatchford, Sylva, Muttocl, Gilden and Bell. (2002, p.28)

3.       “ Teaching, or more precisely the activity of educating or instructing and the methods used to teach”

What is content pedagogy?

Content pedagogy refers to the pedagogical (teaching) skills teachers use to impart the specialized knowledge / content knowledge of their subject area (s). An effective teacher should possess wide range of skills and abilities. It is important to believe that there is a great difference in pedagogy when dealing with people who are visual learners – those who need to see something to learn - and with people who are kinesthetic learners – those who need to do something physical to learn.

The scope of pedagogical dimensions consists of acquisition of specific skills, content knowledge and expert with innovative multi-dimensions and abilities. The Five Key pedagogical dimensions in the New National Curriculum Framework (NCF) of Maldives are:

1.       Creating positive learning environment:

An inclusive, respectful and caring positive learning environment is needed for effective pedagogy (teaching)

2.       Connecting prior learning to new learning to new learning:

Learning makes more effective when the teacher relates the new learning to their prior-knowledge, experiences and ideas of the students. It develops interest and curiosity the learner, and infuses instruction with a sense of purpose.

3.       Fostering reflective practice:

Reflection creates self-awareness, self-independence and ownership of knowledge.

4.       Making Learning Meaningful:

What ever thought in the class room teaching it should be relating to lives and should have relevance? The students are encouraged t apply the knowledge they acquire.

5.       Recognize individual differences:

The academic abilities, learning styles, personalities, interests, background knowledge and the level of motivation varies from student to student. Effective pedagogy happens when the teacher is able to cater for these individual differences.

The learning theories introduced in this module are:

1.  Behavioral learning theory
2.  Cognitive learning theory
3. Socio-cultural learning theory
4. Constructivism/ constructivist learning theory

To sum up we can say pedagogy is the method and practice of teaching. It is the science of teaching and concerns itself with good practice in teaching and learning. The term generally refers strategies of instruction or a style of instruction.