Theory or Pedagogy?
I really was stumped at the difference, and whether there was one, about theory and pedagogy. I know a theory is a principle or explanation, and pedagogy deals with the strategies of teaching. The two seem so close to me, and I often think they are used interchangeably. I struggled to understand why there was such a debate on connectivism. It seems that most people accept that learning is now more connected than before. I am not sure, though, that this is something separate. Learning has always been connected, but now we are connected so much more immediately and frequently. Why, then, the debate over theory and pedagogy?
I think what the busy teacher needs to take from this debate is that their students are growing up in a more connected world. We have to adjust our teaching to meet their learning styles. I think Seimens put into words quite well what is happening/needs to happen in education, regardless of whether it is a theory or not.
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Hi Sherry,
You have made some terrific points and I appreciate your stand on connectivism. There is no doubt that the students of today “connect” to learning differently. The available technology has seen to that. There is also no doubt that we need to make that technology at the ready for our students. I think the use of technology is another “tool”, a “method” of getting what is known to our students. That method is a connection, absolutely. : ) See you.
Sue
Posted April 19, 2008, 6:05 pmSherry,
Well put! I had a hard time with the reading also. At such a busy time in the year it was hard for me to put my head around such an issue. It was a perfect time for the assignment because it really cemented by feeling of “who cares!”. I think web 2.0 and connectivism is doing a great thing for education. Label it as you wish, connectivism is a postive addition to my world.!
Lisa
Posted April 19, 2008, 7:41 pmSherri,
I shared your confusion and frustration, and settled on a similar resignation. Let the debate roar in the halls of academia. Let the teachers do what they can to put the theory into practice.
Posted April 20, 2008, 6:55 pm