pedagogy

American  

[ped-uh-goh-jee, -goj-ee] / ˈpɛd əˌgoʊ dʒi, -ˌgɒdʒ i /

noun

pedagogies plural

1. the function or work of a teacher; teaching.

2. the art or science of teaching; education; instructional methods.

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pedagogy British  

/ -ˌɡɒdʒɪ, ˈpɛdəˌɡɒɡɪ, -ˌɡəʊdʒɪ /

noun

1. the principles, practice, or profession of teaching

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• pedagogies
  plural

Etymology

Origin of pedagogy

First recorded in 1570–80; from Middle French pédagogie, from Greek paidagōgía “office of a child's tutor.” See pedagogue, -y ³

Explanation

Pedagogy is another word for education, the profession and science of teaching. Pedagogy and pedagogue come from the Greek paidos "boy, child" plus agogos "leader." Pedagogy refers to the teaching profession as well as the science of education, for example as a college subject. This might be one reason that the word, pedagogue, is often used for a teacher who is overly interested in rules and details, hence the science of teaching, rather than actually getting through to his or her students.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

pedagogy pedagogies

So I shifted gears, pivoting into what is called “strengths-based” pedagogy — in this instance, meaning a discussion of how enslaved people contributed to American environmentalism as we know it today.

From Salon ● Jun. 19, 2026

Founders’ headmaster Jason Caros rejects the allegation of “Christian nationalism” but argues that there is much to be said for those traditional values, pedagogy and curriculum.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 9, 2026

It must be rooted in critical pedagogy, a moral and political practice that enables students to speak, write and act from positions of agency and empowerment.

From Salon ● Jun. 29, 2025

Some children might indeed get a leg up on an exciting and rewarding career, but too often, employers will prioritize profits over pedagogy.

From Slate ● Nov. 20, 2024

This chapter also familiarizes the reader with each method’s philosophy and principles, unique pedagogy, and practices and activities.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin

School founders are small-business owners, and their backgrounds and pedagogies are as diverse as the students they serve.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 24, 2026

Grounded in his ancestral cultivation, he utilizes film, photography and poetry to amplify decolonial narratives and reclaim Indigenous pedagogies.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 15, 2024

That means the Youngkin administration will need to “proactively review policies, practices and pedagogies around the state,” she wrote.

From Washington Times ● Feb. 25, 2022

These areas are also where newly progressive pedagogies have had the most traction.

From Washington Post ● Nov. 5, 2021

Fortunately, there are ways in which to use pedagogies that you already know in order to teach the material, without compromising its integrity or authenticity.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin