Parents want the best possible education for their children so they can grow up to be successful, well-informed adults who understand the world around them. Schooling should prepare young people for the problem-solving and creative challenges they will face in their careers. Because of this, pedagogy is essential. Children need the types of education that will foster sustainable, long-term learning, helping them achieve their goals.
But which approaches are best? That’s the topic of this post. We explore what pedagogy is, and the various routes available for young people. By the end of this article, you should have a better idea of what’s best for your child and the approach to their education you should take.
What Is Pedagogy?
Pedagogy is the art and science of teaching. It refers to the various methods and principles teachers use to assist in learning. It’s not just about what teachers teach, but the way they go about it, and why.
Various types of pedagogy exist, and they each have different goals, assumptions, and approaches.
Traditional Pedagogy
This type of pedagogy is the most common and, as you might expect, also the most controversial. The idea is that teachers are the experts who transmit knowledge to students, who are passive recipients. Educational resources include:
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Textbooks
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Lectures
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Tests
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Grades
This type of pedagogy focuses on memorization and repetition to enable students to understand subjects.
Progressive Pedagogy
Progressive pedagogy emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a reaction to traditional pedagogy. It is based on the idea that students are active learners who construct their own knowledge through experience, inquiry, and collaboration. In this model, teachers become facilitators, not expert transmitters of information and knowledge. The main focus of this approach is on creativity and problem-solving. Students aren’t given answers upfront but must discover them for themselves. The Montessori method falls into this category.
Critical Pedagogy
Critical pedagogy emerged in the mid-20th century as a response to social and political issues. It is based on the idea that education is a tool for social change and empowerment. Teachers use dialogue, reflection, and action to challenge students' assumptions and perspectives. This type of pedagogy aims to take children’s thinking in a direction that agrees with the one the teacher espouses.
Why Does Pedagogy Matter For Your Child’s Education?
Pedagogy matters for your child's education because it influences how and what they learn. Varying approaches may suit children differently, depending on their characteristics and persuasions. For example, some learners may benefit from more structured and direct instruction, while others may thrive in a more collaborative and inquiry-based environment. While pedagogy developed significantly over the last century, it is not yet clear which approach is best. Some subjects require rote memorization and drill, while others focus more on problem-solving and creative activities. It is really your child who ultimately decides the optimal approach for them.
Pedagogy also matters for your child's education because it reflects the values and goals of the education system and society. Parents need to be aware of the methods teachers use to inculcate children into their particular viewpoints and biases. It is critical that children learn in an environment that goes beyond the assumptions and desires of the teacher, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
Unfortunately, what goes on in classrooms is often a reflection of the forces operating in society more widely. Pedagogy is often a reflection of the motivations of various actors in the system, trying to shape society in the direction they prefer. For parents, these kinds of activities can be distressing, and can even lead to conflict at home when the education system usurps family values.
Pedagogy can also hinder critical thinking. Children taught to absorb facts and then regurgitate them in exams may accept the things they learn at face value without questioning or exploring them more deeply.
Pedagogy can also empower or oppress learners, depending on how it respects or ignores their identities and backgrounds. Teachers may pursue a particular bias in their classrooms, or insist on certain philosophies, without first disclosing them. Today, the undisclosed philosophy is critical theory, but there have been many others in the past, all of which can cloud children’s judgment of the world, and color how it interacts with them.
In summary, pedagogy is a key factor that affects the quality and effectiveness of your child's education. As a parent, you may want to be aware of the pedagogical approaches that are used in your child's school and classroom, and how they align with your child's learning preferences and goals. It’s essential to understand how teachers are using learning approaches to inform and educate your child.
How To Talk To Teachers And Schools About Their Pedagogy
Now you understand the value of pedagogy, you may feel the need to communicate with teachers and schools about their current approach. You may wonder why they are using certain approaches or tools, how they are assessing your child's progress, or what you can do to support your child's learning at home. You may also want to provide them with feedback or suggestions to make your child’s education better.
Talking to teachers about pedagogy can be a powerful way to establish a collaborative relationship with them. Many professionals are willing to learn more about teaching approaches and apply them in the classroom. As a parent, you can also learn more about their expertise and judgment in the classroom, helping you understand the challenges your child faces, their strengths and weaknesses, and other aspects, such as cultural background, that might affect their learning experience.
However, talking to teachers about their pedagogical approaches can feel intimidating and awkward. You may feel unsure about how to initiate or sustain the conversation, or how to express your opinions respectfully.
Fortunately, the following tips can help. Here’s how to talk to teachers about their pedagogy in a constructive and effective manner:
Start With A Positive Attitude
Try to approach conversations about pedagogy with an open mindset. While teachers might have a particular approach, you should assume they have good intentions and are doing their best to meet the needs of your child. Accept that teaching is a complex and demanding profession that requires constant adaptation and innovation. Then, express your gratitude for their work to get the conversation started on the right foot.
Be Prepared
Don’t rush into a conversation with your child’s teacher. Instead, go into it prepared. Do some research on the pedagogy that they are using or that you are interested in. Learn about the rationale, benefits, and challenges of different approaches or methods. Don’t assume you know everything about what they are doing or their reasons for doing it. Their responses may surprise or shock you.
It also helps if you write down a few questions you want to ask the teacher first before your conversation. These can help you get the most out of the interaction.
Choose A Suitable Time And Place
You can also ask the teacher when and where they would prefer to have the conversation. Respect their schedule and availability and avoid barging in, especially when they are busy.
Try to make meetings private. Teachers have a public role and deal with dozens of students, so make sure they feel like they can speak freely and frankly to you.
You should also consider the various modes of communication available to you. These could include phone calls, emails, or online platforms, depending on the topic and purpose of the conversation. Face-to-face discussions can also be helpful, but they tend to be more challenging to organize.
Listen Actively
Active listening is another critical skill when talking to the teacher about their approach to education. Pay attention to what the teacher is saying and how they are saying it. Then use verbal and nonverbal cues to show that you are listening and interested.
These basic skills can help the teacher open up more and provide extra information. Encouraging them allows them to speak freely and give you some real opinions, instead of worrying about you interrupting them.
Seek Common Ground
You won’t always agree with what the teacher says. But even so, it is essential to seek common ground. Focus on the shared goals and interests that you have as parents and teachers, primarily your child’s well-being and learning. If you don’t like the current pedagogy, emphasize its strengths, but also talk about how the teacher could improve it.
This approach is usually successful because most pedagogies build on existing ones. Small changes can make a tremendous difference in your child’s learning experience.
Be Open-Minded
Lastly, be willing to learn from the teacher and from other sources of information. Don’t be rigid about any particular style. The most appropriate teaching methods may vary by context. Be ready to try new things or change your mind based on new evidence or feedback. Always respect the idea that a variety of teaching methods may be the best approach for most children.
In summary, pedagogy matters for your child. How would you like to see teachers change their approach to education at your child’s school? Comment and tell us what you think.
