pedagogy

American  

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

noun

plural

pedagogies

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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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

The questions surrounding the brothers Tom and Will Green, who surfaced in the Canadian town of Vernon, British Columbia, in 2003, are less about pedagogy and stunted development than the nature of liberty.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 17, 2026

It is through these alliances that a new critical pedagogy of resistance is emerging, one rooted in memory, insurgent hope and an unshakable belief in the possibility of a different future.

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

“The substantial number of U.S.-trained professors in China has allowed Chinese grad students to stay home and still benefit from U.S. academic pedagogy and research networks,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 18, 2024

She would pick out a word and tell me what it meant—words like pedagogy and phenomenon.

From "March Forward, Girl" by Melba Pattillo Beals