What Does Teaching Mean to Me?
First we must pose the question how do we and others like to learn? It is one thing to have knowledge but it is another to be able to pass this knowledge onto others successfully whilst engaging the learner in a way that is exciting and fulfilling.
Teaching is not only the transitioning of skills and knowledge but also the transition of the skill of obtaining knowledge through life skills and self discovery of that knowledge. Teaching is also a learning opportunity for the teacher as one will often discover new and rewarding knowledge throughout their career whilst also assisting others to acquire knowledge and skills. It is also about making connections with your students and inspiring them to learn by using strategies that meet diverse needs of the students learning styles. Killen (2003) noted that a teacher’s main role is assisting learners to learn not just regurgitating content knowledge. Gone are the days where the teacher resites information from books and the student copies the information into an exercise book.
Killen, R. (2003). Some perspectives on teaching and learning. Retrieved from: Central Queensland University (CQU) Moodle e-courses website.
What is pedagogy?
Pedagogy is the art of teaching – the way in which we teach. Pedagogy mainly refers to the teaching of children in general.
Good pedagogy can be interpreted as using appropriate strategies to engage and inspire the learners so that they may be able to achieve their desired outcome, it is also about instilling excitement so that the students can self discover learning.
How we teach is what we do to ensure learning is achieved in a positive productive environment.
Smith & Lowrie (2002) note that pedagogy is not only how we teach but also involves how we interact and connect with students on a more personal level. If we connect with our students and show excitement towards their learning this is also classed as good pedagogy. Pedagogy or good pedagogy is not only what we do in a classroom but also how we interact with the school as a whole including all stakeholders. Engaging learners in relevant activities and learning so that students will find meaning in what they are learning is important. A student will often ask why we are learning this. The content must reflect meaning and engage them intellectually.
Smith, T., and Lowrie, T. (2002). What is pedagogy anyway. Retrieved from: Central Queensland University (CQU) Moodle e-courses website.
