3.2 Dimensions of Pedagogy

Summary

The discussion on didactic pedagogy explores its Greek roots and the contrasting connotations in English. It examines eight key dimensions of pedagogical approaches: the learning space, modes of communication, power dynamics, socio-cultural identities, control within the environment, knowledge acquisition methods, instructional choices, and the moral purpose of education. Each dimension reveals how they shape the learning experience and outcomes, emphasizing the interplay between educators and learners in creating a meaningful educational context.

Takeaways

• 📚 The term 'didactic' originates from Greek, meaning 'to teach,' but has acquired negative connotations in English, suggesting overly instructive behavior.
• 🏛️ The learning environment, or 'architectonic,' significantly influences how learning occurs and should be intentionally designed.
• 🗣️ The nature of discourse within a learning space affects communication dynamics and influences pedagogical choices.
• ⚖️ Power dynamics between teachers and learners shape the intersubjective aspects of pedagogy, affecting authority and control.
• 🌍 Socio-cultural factors play a crucial role in shaping learners' identities and their engagement with knowledge.
• 🔒 The proprietary dimension addresses who controls the learning space and the freedoms allowed within it, impacting student experience.
• 📖 Epistemological considerations involve how knowledge is constructed and validated, impacting learner engagement.
• 🧑‍🏫 Pedagogical choices made by teachers significantly affect instructional methods and learning outcomes.
• 🎓 The moral dimension of education revolves around the intended outcomes of teaching, such as fostering curiosity or societal contribution.
• 🌱 Each pedagogical approach, including deductive, authentic, and reflexive transformative, has unique implications for how learning is experienced.

Q & A

What is the origin of the word 'didactic'?

The word 'didactic' comes from the Greek term meaning 'to teach'.

How is 'didactic' perceived in English compared to other languages?

In English, 'didactic' has negative connotations, suggesting an overly instructive or preachy approach, whereas in other European languages, it is viewed more neutrally as the science of teaching.

What is the first dimension of pedagogical approaches discussed?

The first dimension is 'architectonic', referring to the physical space in which learning occurs, which is not neutral and significantly influences the learning process.

What role do discursive arrangements play in a learning environment?

Discursive arrangements determine how individuals communicate and interact in the learning space, affecting the overall dynamics of the educational experience.

What does the inter-subjective component refer to?

The inter-subjective component pertains to the power dynamics between teachers and students, including who has control and authority in the learning environment.

How does the socio-cultural dimension affect learning?

The socio-cultural dimension involves the identities and cultural backgrounds of learners, which influence their engagement and how they interpret knowledge.

What is meant by the proprietary dimension in education?

The proprietary dimension refers to who controls the learning space—whether it is the teacher or the student—and how this affects the level of openness and expectations in the environment.

What is the significance of the epistemological dimension?

The epistemological dimension relates to different ways of knowing and understanding knowledge, influencing whether learners accept authoritative information or explore and discover meaning independently.

How do pedagogical choices impact learning outcomes?

Pedagogical choices involve the instructional methods employed by teachers, which directly affect the learning outcomes and experiences of students.

What moral purposes underpin educational environments?

The moral dimension addresses the underlying mission of education, questioning whether it aims to produce compliant individuals or encourage self-expression and social responsibility.