My current module at University is Pedagogical Perspectives. I thought it would be interesting to write a blog on this to gain all of your views and ideas on this. Also this may help me to write my assignment on it so thanks in advance!
Pedagogy is an interesting term. Many of my colleagues did not know the definition of this and could not describe what their pedagogy was and why, until I asked the question what do you believe in for your practice? The latter question allowed us to have in-depth conversations about our shared beliefs and understanding of our own practice. Almost all of my colleagues then commented that they know exactly what my pedagogy would be underpinned with…..the great outdoors!!
I feel it’s important to use terms unfamiliar with practitioners who may not go further with their study as this can help them think on a deeper level. Sharing my studies with my colleagues also helps build me understanding and comprehension of it.
I also thought initially that my pedagogy would be all about the outdoor environment-it is but also about so much more. I firmly believe that every child should have access to an outdoor environment everyday regardless of the weather. I also believe that children should be allowed to develop their own interests and take this learning forward, with practitioners who are able to support and scaffold their learning.
It is important to listen to children to understand what they know already, what they want to know and then evaluate wha they have learnt. this whole process is best done with sensitive observations and conversations with the children as well as shared observations with other practitioners.
I understand that play experiences should be well planned, exciting opportunities for children but these experiences should not be over planned to allow the children flexibility to be creative with their play and explorations.
I believe all learning is constant and happens all around us at all stages of life. Sometimes it can be important to highlight this to people who are unsure of what learning might be occurring during everyday experiences.
Pedagogy is a deep and reflective topic which I am beginning to understand and develop to ensure I am able to become the best practitioner I can be.
My influences…
Thank you for reading!
Please feel free to leave comments.
Go play outside! 
Interesting post, Lyndsey. I think we tend to only use the term pedagogy at higher level studies whereas other countries use it to describe an education training. In Sweden when asked what their background was most adults in various child centred settings (from preschools to hospitals) said ‘pedagogy’.
Best of luck with the studies.
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Thanks Kierna, It’s strange that we don’t use this term more throughout settings inthe U.K as I think it makes you question and reflect deeper on your own practice.
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Nice article. I think the term pedagogy should be used more throughout teaching from early years to higher education and it should form the base of regular discussions within schools and settings. I do however disagree with one point (that play experiences should be well planned) I personally think play should always be spontaneous xxx
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Hi thanks for your comment, I agree that play should be spontaneous, I meant more that experiences should be well thought out to enable the children to be challanged from previous observation to take their learning in that aspect further. But that the experience should be flexible so that the child is always determining their interest.
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