Pedagogy is the science and art of education, specifically instructional theory. I did some research on the word and it simply means the art of teaching, to gain a deeper insight i went on to explore the origins on the word. The word pedagogy has its roots in Ancient Greece. Rich families
in Ancient Greece would have many servants, one of whom
would be specifically tasked to look after the children. Often these
slaves would lead or escort the children to the place of education. The
Greek word for child is pais (the stem of this is 'paid'), and leader is agogus - so a paid-agogus or pedagogue was literally a leader of children. Later, the word pedagogue
became synonymous with the teaching of our young. Taken in this
context, we would probably all agree that pedagogy is about children's
education. And yet this confines us to a very limited understanding of
what pedagogy is, or has the potential to become.
If we take the principle of leading or guiding someone to education then we open up a whole new world of
possibilities for learning. It's a well known aphorism - teachers teach,
but educators reach- and also a principle that is at the very heart of true pedagogy. True
pedagogy is far more than someone instructing. Pedagogy is leading
people to a place where they can learn for themselves. It is about
creating environments and situations where people can draw out from
within themselves, and hone the abilities they already have, to create
their own knowledge, interpret the world in their own unique ways, and
ultimately realise their full potential as human beings. It's certainly
not about absolutes, but is more likely to be about uncertainties. Good
pedagogy is about guiding students to learning. It's about posing
challenges, asking the right questions, and presenting relevant problems
for learners to explore, answer and solve. True pedagogy is where
educators transport their students to a place where they will be amazed
by the wonders of the world they live within. This definition by Steve Wheeler sums it all up.
The following link will take us to a youtube video by Dr Sonwalkar defining Pedagogy
www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkoRR670fj8
Andragogy
Knowles' theory of andragogy is an attempt to develop a theory specifically for
adult learning. Knowles emphasises that adults are self-directed and expect to
take responsibility for decisions. Adult learning programs must accommodate
this fundamental aspect. Andragogy makes the following assumptions about the design of learning: (1)
Adults need to know why they need to learn something (2) Adults need to learn
experientially, (3) Adults approach learning as problem-solving, and (4) Adults
learn best when the topic is of immediate value. In practical terms, andragogy means that instruction for adults needs to
focus more on the process and less on the content being taught. Strategies such
as case studies, role playing, simulations, and self-evaluation are most
useful. Instructors adopt a role of facilitator or resource rather than lecturer
or grader.
Conclusion
What i have learnt from the above is that pedagogy has three models which are, Transmission, Generative and Transformative. Pedagogy is centred on elementary education. If one has adult learners it is beneficial to take the andragogy approach since adults learn in a different way as compared to elementary scholars. I am going to pay attention to a few technologies that can help students to reach their full potential in learning. My next blogs will be exploring blogs, Wikis, Images, Audio and Video to facilitate learning.
References
(Wheeler, 2013)_(Knowles,M 1984)_(Knowles,M 1975)
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