What is pedagogy?

• the theory and practice of education. It encompasses the strategies, methods, and principles that guide teaching and learning processes
• understanding how children learn best and designing instructional approaches that cater to their needs, interests, and developmental stages
• various factors such as curriculum development, assessment practices, classroom management techniques, and educational philosophy
• reflecting on and refining teaching practices based on research, feedback, and ongoing professional development

Pedagogy in our nursery will touch on things like:

• Child development – focusing on how and why children change in terms of their learning and development over time
• Behaviour – how a child’s experiences shape their behaviour
• Relationships – how children change and learn in relation to those around them
• Culture – how family life and culture impact learning and relationships
• Critique – inviting parents and our peers to challenge assumptions and issues around power, equality, and curriculum expectations

Whilst pedagogy and teaching are closely related concepts, they refer to different aspects of the educational process. For example, in our nursery, teaching is more about:

• the actual act of imparting knowledge, skills, and values to children. It involves the application of pedagogical principles in our learning environment
• engaging our children directly, delivering lessons, facilitating discussions, providing feedback, and assessing their progress
• encompassing a wide range of activities, including planning lessons, designing learning experiences, adapting instruction to meet diverse children needs, and fostering a positive learning environment
• requiring not only knowledge of subject matter but also an understanding of pedagogical theories and instructional strategies

As a summary, pedagogy is the broader concept that encompasses the theory and practice of education, while teaching specifically refers to the act of facilitating learning experiences for children. Pedagogy informs teaching practices by providing frameworks and guidelines for effective instruction and learning.