Pedagogy

Pedagogy represents a bridge between the various disciplines that contribute to understanding human education and its continuous development throughout life, helping to shape well-formed and aware individuals in a constantly evolving society. A single glossary entry cannot suffice to describe the many aspects of this discipline: here we will provide an overview—methodological and historical—and focus on the role of the pedagogue and the intersection between neuroscienceThe human brain is one of the most complex and fascinating s... More and pedagogy. In this latter, new and fruitful field of study, Pedagogy for the Third Millennium (PTM) is situated, an interdisciplinary method of education and self-education, created by Patrizio Paoletti and developed by the neuroscientific, psychopedagogical, and didactic team of the eponymous Foundation. Pedagogy for the Third Millennium is the tool through which the fruits of scientific research are transferred and the Foundation’s educational pathways are designed. It is a pedagogical method aimed at addressing today’s educational needs and anticipating those of the future. PTM facilitates, for individuals and their contexts, the discovery and use of all the potential at their disposal. For more details, see here.

What is pedagogy and what does it study?

To understand what pedagogy is, let’s start with a definition based on its etymology. The term “pedagogy” originates from ancient Greek, specifically from the combination of the words ‘pàis’ (child) and “àghein” (to guide, lead, accompany). Initially, in ancient Greece, the “pedagogue” was an individual—often a slave—tasked with accompanying children on their way from home to school. After the Roman conquest of Greece, the term “paedagogus” was used to refer to the Greek slave responsible not only for accompanying children but also for teaching them the Greek language. Over time, the meaning of “paedagogus” evolved to indicate a teacher, regardless of social status. This evolution of meaning shows how pedagogy had already transformed into a discipline that not only guided children in the early stages of education but embraced the art of teaching in general.

Today, pedagogy is a fundamental field of study focusing on the education and development of humans at all stages of life, embracing the concept of ‘lifelong learning’. This discipline encompasses a wide range of educational approaches involving men and women at various moments and situations in their development, not limited to childhood but also including adolescenceWhat is meant by adolescence? Adolescence is understood as t... More, adulthood, old age, disability conditions, and special educational needs. Pedagogy does not operate in isolation but draws from a broad spectrum of knowledge from multiple disciplines, including psychology, philosophy, medicine, sociology, anthropology, and law. This synergy with other human sciences allows pedagogy to deepen the understanding of the educational process in its complexity and diversity: this field of study deals with education not only in schools and institutions but also in informal learningIl termine apprendimento - con i sinonimi imparare, assimila... More contexts, such as family, community, and society at large.

When did this discipline arise, and what are its main historical stages?

Pedagogy, as a discipline concerned with education and human development, has a long and complex history rooted in antiquity and evolving over the centuries. This brief summary highlights its main historical stages, keeping in mind that the discipline has been constantly shaped by various cultural, philosophical, and historical influences over time.

• Antiquity. The earliest traces of pedagogy date back to ancient Greece, with figures like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle concerned with the education of young people. Greek pedagogy was closely linked to philosophy, aiming to form virtuous citizens and critical thinkers.
• Middle Ages. During the medieval period, education was primarily entrusted to the Church, which promoted religious formation. Medieval universities were important centers of learning, but the approach was heavily influenced by theology.
• Renaissance. The Renaissance saw a revival of interest in classical culture and humanism. This led to a shift in educational approaches, emphasizing the development of human skills and liberal arts.
• Modern Age. During the Modern Age, the Enlightenment played a significant role in pedagogy. Philosophers like Rousseau and Kant promoted the idea that education should respect human nature and foster individual autonomy and freedom.
• 19th century. This century witnessed the development of national educational systems in many parts of the world. Compulsory schooling was introduced in many industrialized nations, making education accessible to a broader public.
• 20th century. In the 20th century, pedagogy underwent significant transformations. Behaviorist and later cognitive approaches dominated education. The focus shifted to the psychology of learning and the effectiveness of educational methods.
• Contemporary Age. Today, pedagogy is a continuously evolving field. Educational approaches are based on a deeper understanding of human development and the importance of lifelong education. Current challenges include the use of technology in education, promotion of inclusive education, and adaptation to the needs of a rapidly changing society.

What does a pedagogue do?

A pedagogue is a professional specialized in education and human development at all stages of life. The role of the pedagogue today is highly diversified and flexible, adapting to the needs of educational contexts and specific situations. Here is a brief description of a pedagogue’s tasks:

• Guidance and educational counseling. The pedagogue assists individuals of different ages in making important decisions regarding education and training. This may include advice on study paths, career choices, or learning-related issues.
• Learning support. The pedagogue works with people experiencing learning difficulties, both in school and informal contexts. This may involve diagnosing learning disorders, designing personalized support programs, and collaborating with teachers and parents.
• Teacher training. The pedagogue provides professional development and training for teachers, helping them improve teaching practices and identify effective strategies to tackle contemporary educational challenges.
• Design of educational programs. Pedagogues may be involved in designing school curricula, formal and non-formal educational programs, and teaching materials. This involves creating educational pathways tailored to students’ needs.
• Educational research. Many individuals trained in pedagogy engage in research in education, studying educational trends, new teaching methodologies, and the effectiveness of educational policies.
• Inclusive education. An important area for pedagogues is inclusive education, aiming to ensure that all students, regardless of background, abilities, or disabilities, have access to quality education.
• Collaboration with families and communities. Pedagogues often work with parents, families, and communities to promote the education and well-being of children and youth.

What happens when pedagogy meets neuroscience?

When pedagogy meets neuroscience, between the late 20th and early 21st centuries, a fruitful collaboration emerges that is revolutionizing education. This synergy between educational sciences and neuroscience has led to a deeper understanding of how the human brain learns and has resulted in the development of more effective and personalized educational approaches. To understand the productive approach of Didactic Neuropsychopedagogy—a young discipline born from the intersection of pedagogy and neuroscience—we use excerpts from the book “Crescere nell’eccellenza” by Patrizio Paoletti:

“Our era is the first in which Pedagogy, an ancient humanistic discipline, can rely on the very young scientific discipline known as Neuroscience, so that a more efficient, engaging, and conscious educational action can help the greatest number of people fully develop these abilities:

• Efficiency of educational action: thanks to the contribution of Neuroscience, it is now possible to know which area of the brain is activated in response to a given stimulus. Such knowledge reveals which actions are truly decisive for each individual to gain real benefit from the educational process.
• Engagement: through an increasingly better understanding of the brain, it is possible to investigate strategies that make learning easier, allowing education and instruction to become more captivating.
• Awareness: Pedagogy and Neuroscience can make their knowledge ‘dialogue’ so that all educators have a clear vision of the infinite potential of humans in the various conditions in which they express themselves, correctly guiding educational action.”