What is Pedagogy? | 4 Essential Learning Theories | Satchel

Summary

Pedagogy is the theory and philosophy of teaching, specifically for children. This video explores four key learning theories: Behaviorism, which emphasizes teacher control and repetition; Liberationism, which centers on student autonomy and critical thinking; Social Constructivism, focusing on collaborative problem-solving; and Connectivism, which integrates technology in the learning process. Each theory offers unique insights into improving education. Teachers are encouraged to experiment with these methods to enhance their teaching strategies and create better learning environments for their students.

Takeaways

• 😀 Pedagogy refers to the theory, methods, and philosophy of teaching, traditionally focused on children’s education.
• 😀 The term 'pedagogy' comes from the Greek word 'paidagōgós', meaning 'leader of children'.
• 😀 Despite its historical significance, pedagogy’s use has declined due to rising teacher workloads and lack of time for professional development.
• 😀 Behaviorism, one of the first pedagogical approaches, emphasizes teacher control and repetition, focusing on observable behavior.
• 😀 Behaviorism was popularized by Edward Thorndike and B.F. Skinner, who used reinforcement techniques to encourage learning through rewards and feedback.
• 😀 Liberationism, championed by Paulo Freire, encourages student-centered learning, where students create their own knowledge and teachers act as guides rather than authorities.
• 😀 Freire criticized traditional education as oppressive, advocating for 'emancipation through education' to help marginalized students achieve independence.
• 😀 Social Constructivism, introduced by Lev Vygotsky, suggests that learning occurs best through social interaction and collaboration among peers.
• 😀 Vygotsky's theory opposes the idea of learning being solely internal, emphasizing the value of problem-solving together in groups.
• 😀 Connectivism, a modern approach introduced by George Siemens, integrates technology into learning, preparing students to navigate digital networks and extract knowledge online.
• 😀 Teachers are encouraged to experiment with different pedagogical approaches to find what works best for their students, as each method offers unique benefits.

Q & A

What is pedagogy and why is it important?

Pedagogy refers to the theory, methods, and philosophy of teaching. It is important because it helps shape how educators approach teaching and learning, offering strategies to improve student outcomes and create more engaging and effective classrooms.

Why is pedagogy considered a frustrating concept for many teachers?

Pedagogy is frustrating for many teachers because they often don't have enough time or training to explore it deeply. With increasing workloads and limited professional development opportunities, teachers struggle to incorporate pedagogical theories into their practice.

What is the origin of the word 'pedagogy'?

The word 'pedagogy' comes from the ancient Greek word 'paidagōgós', meaning 'leader of children'. It originally referred to the art of teaching children.

How did behaviorism influence teaching methods?

Behaviorism, which emphasizes teacher control and repetition, influenced teaching by focusing on observable student behavior and reinforcing correct actions through rewards and feedback. This method is effective in managing classroom behavior and helping students prepare for exams.

What is the core principle of behaviorism in education?

The core principle of behaviorism in education is that students learn best through repetition and reinforcement, where teachers provide immediate feedback and rewards to encourage desired behaviors.

How does liberationism differ from behaviorism in terms of student involvement?

Liberationism differs from behaviorism by placing the student at the center of the learning process. Paulo Freire, the father of liberationism, believed that students should be treated as creators of knowledge, not passive recipients. This contrasts with behaviorism, where the teacher controls the learning environment.

What role does the teacher play in a liberationist classroom?

In a liberationist classroom, the teacher acts as a guide on the side rather than an authority figure. Teachers help students explore their learning interests, encouraging critical thinking and independence.

What is social constructivism and who championed it?

Social constructivism is a theory of learning developed by Lev Vygotsky, which emphasizes the importance of social interaction and collaboration in learning. Vygotsky believed that students learn best when they engage in group problem-solving and discussions.

What is the key difference between Piaget's cognitive constructivism and Vygotsky's social constructivism?

Piaget's cognitive constructivism focuses on the individual learning process, while Vygotsky's social constructivism emphasizes the role of social interaction in learning, with students learning by collaborating and discussing ideas with others.

What is connectivism and how does it relate to modern technology?

Connectivism is a learning theory developed by George Siemens that highlights the role of technology in education. It focuses on learning through digital networks and emphasizes teaching students how to navigate and use online resources to further their learning in the digital age.

How can teachers implement connectivism in the classroom?

Teachers can implement connectivism by integrating technology into the classroom, using tools like the internet, social media, and online resources to facilitate learning. Teachers act as facilitators, helping students navigate the vast amount of information available online.

What should teachers do to stay up-to-date with pedagogical approaches?

Teachers should continuously explore new learning theories and approaches by dedicating time each week to learning about different pedagogical methods. Experimenting with different strategies and reflecting on what works best in their classroom can lead to improved teaching practices.