noun

pedagogy

PED-uh-goj-ee

Pedagogy (noun) means the method and practice of teaching, and the theory behind how teaching should be done. Example: “The school is rethinking its pedagogy for mixed-ability classes.”

noun

The method and practice of teaching, and the theory behind how teaching should be done.

"The school is rethinking its pedagogy for mixed-ability classes."

"Her research compares traditional and inquiry-based pedagogy in science."

The academic discipline that studies education and teaching.

"He took a master's in pedagogy before moving into curriculum design."

How to Use Pedagogy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishHow teachers teach, and the thinking behind it.

When to use it

Formal and academic. Common in teacher training and educational policy.

Memory tip

British speakers usually say PED-uh-goj-ee; the adjective is pedagogical, and pedagogue for a person now sounds pompous or mocking.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

andragogy curriculum → didactics

Common pairings

teaching pedagogy critical pedagogy pedagogy and practice effective pedagogy

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The school is rethinking its _____ for mixed-ability classes.

Etymology

From Greek paidagogia, from paidagogos, the slave who escorted a child to school, from pais, paidos 'child' and agogos 'leader'.

Origin: Greek

Synonyms

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teaching method instruction didactics teaching practice

Related Words

education training direction learning ed command teaching guidance

Rhymes for pedagogy

eulogy apology zoology biology ecology analogy geology trilogy etiology theology ideology oncology

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between pedagogy and curriculum?

Curriculum is what is taught, the content and the sequence of it. Pedagogy is how it is taught, the methods, activities and relationships used to get it across. Two schools can follow the same curriculum with completely different pedagogy.

What is the difference between pedagogy and andragogy?

Pedagogy strictly means the teaching of children, while andragogy was coined for the teaching of adults, who bring experience and expect more self-direction. In everyday academic use pedagogy has broadened to cover teaching at any age.

How do you pronounce pedagogy?

The common British pronunciation is PED-uh-goj-ee, with a soft g at the end. PED-uh-goh-jee is also widely heard, especially in North America.

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