What Does Pedagogy Mean to You?
Pedagogy refers to the study of teaching methods, strategies and principles used in education. Educators use different pedagogical approaches to create educational environments and facilitate learning that supports student growth. To ensure effective teaching, pedagogy includes four focus areas: the teaching methods, engagement strategies, assessment practice, and a holistic approach. The holistic approach refers to the importance of how education is taught over the content.
I believe a key aspect of pedagogy is the mindset teachers create in students. In my experience, learning tends to be centered around two contrasting mindsets: growth vs. fixed. A growth mindset is the belief that intelligence is adaptable and can be developed through effort, persistence, and knowledge. Individuals with growth mindsets are more likely to see learning as a challenge and failure as an opportunity for improvement. On the other hand a fixed mindset assumes intelligence is static and can’t be significantly improved or changed.
Educators who adopt a growth mindset approach encourage students to work through challenges, try new things, and believe in their potential to improve. This aligns with a holistic approach to pedagogy, which focuses on how education is taught rather than the content being delivered. By fostering resilience and a positive attitude towards learning, growth mindsets create an environment that supports lifelong learning. In my opinion, growth mindsets are the most effective in helping students overcome learning obstacles and continue their educational paths.
I have experienced many different pedagogy teaching styles, ranging from lecture-based, collaboration-based, and individual learning. I have benefited from a combination of methods; lecture-based learning helps me grasp foundational knowledge in psychology classes with clear, structured explanations. While, collaborative learning allows me to share knowledge and gain different perspectives with peers. As a future educator, I would employ a combination of methods to maximize flexibility in the way students learn. I would also focus on creating a growth mindset learning environment where learners are supported, encouraged, and challenged.
Networked Pedagogy in Action
Network pedagogy involves using digital tools to improve the learning process by connecting individuals, ideas, and resources online. This approach allows learners to collaborate, access diverse perspectives, and interact with experts globally. In my own experience, online discussion forums have enabled me to collaborate with psychology students and educators from around the world. This has provided me with opportunities to exchange ideas, challenging Western-centric perspectives and beliefs in psychology. Additionally, when working on collaborative projects, platforms like Zoom have been essential for real-time feedback and the ability to divide and conquer work together.
Learning Theories in Practice:
Constructivism is a learning theory that emphasizes active, hands-on learning where students build their own knowledge through experience, meaning making, and reflection. This theory resonates with me because learners are seen as constructors of their own knowledge instead of passive recipients.
In an online environment, constructivism can be applied through long-term collaborative projects that promote active learning. For example, students could be divided into small groups and select a psychological theory they would like to research and create a presentation on. As they progress students reflect on how their theory relates to own experiences, prior knowledge and personal beliefs about human behaviour. Over the semester they would build on their knowledge by researching topics related to theory, synthesizing information, and creating a draft. Once reach the draft stage, group members would provide feedback, allowing them to further refine their work, then present to the class via Zoom. By engaging this process students are actively constructing meaning. In general I apply constructivist principles in my own learning by building on previous knowledge I have and relating ideas to personal experience.
The Role of the Instructor:
Within an online course, instructors are in charge of designing the course, facilitating learning, creating assessments and evaluations, controlling technical aspects, and building a community.
I think the following qualities are essential for effective online educational instruction:
- Course design and planning: Accessible material, open resources, clear course structure, and syllabus are essential for students to navigate the course effectively and engage with materials.
- Instructor Presence: Instructors should be actively involved; they should introduce themselves to the class and provide opportunities for office hours and real-time collaboration. They should also offer timely feedback and communication to increase student engagement.
- Build Community: Encourage online discussion forums, peer reviews and responses, as well as collaborative projects. This will promote teamwork, engagement, and knowledge-sharing skills.
In the past I have had mixed reviews of online instructors. I have only taken courses through UVIC, but the majority have been positive experiences. Instructors who provide timely feedback, keep an active presence in the class, and encourage collaborative projects are the most effective and engaging, in my opinion. On the other hand, I have experienced a few classes where the instructors are not as active, making the experience less meaningful and enjoyable. Instructors who are slow to respond to emails and provide feedback have left me feeling disconnected from their courses.
Exploring Digital Spaces:
Benefits: Digital spaces allow for flexibility, access to diverse resources, and the ability to connect with other learners globally.
Challenges: Limited face-to-face interaction, lack of instructor presence, and lack of technology access or digital literacy skills.
How to Ensure Positive Contributions: I like to be intentional and respectful with what I post and share in digital spaces, ensuring I am fact-checking the resources I interact with and share. Additionally, In group settings, I engage respectfully and collaborate effectively.
References:
What is pedagogy? Understanding teaching and learning | Hāpara
Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset: A Practical Guide for Teachers
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