It’s the quality of teaching that has the greatest impact on student learning.”~Robert Marzano
If you think that the quote by Marzano is true, reflect for a moment on what you prioritize. Are your teachers engaged in professional development based on your programs only? Are there times for professional learning regarding pedagogy? If you can’t think of a time when your teachers engaged in their pedagogical development, you are not alone. Many administrators have been sold on the idea that a specific curriculum will be the answer to all of their student gaps. Then, the data comes in and it is not what anyone had hoped for. Some administrators decide that the fault is the teachers’ lack of fidelity to the programs. Conversely, others realize it could be a lack of pedagogy. So, what is the right answer? It is important to note that pedagogy and programs are not mutually exclusive but rather complement each other. While programs provide a foundation, it is the pedagogical approach that brings them to life and ensures effective teaching and learning. By prioritizing the development of pedagogy, administrators can help educators create engaging and impactful learning experiences for their students.
Benefits of Proiritzing Pedagogy
- Flexibility: Pedagogy allows for adaptability and responsiveness to the diverse needs of learners. Different students have varying learning styles, abilities, and interests. By emphasizing pedagogy, educators can tailor their teaching methods to address individual student needs, promoting better engagement and understanding.
- Active Learning: Pedagogy encourages active learning approaches that engage students in the learning process. It involves interactive and participatory methods such as discussions, projects, group work, and hands-on activities. These strategies foster critical thinking, problem-solving skills, creativity, and collaboration, enabling students to become active participants in their own learning.
- Pedagogical Innovation: Pedagogy focuses on innovative teaching practices and encourages educators to continuously improve their instructional techniques. By staying abreast of research and developments such as the importance of feedback, teachers can incorporate new ideas, technologies, and methodologies into their teaching. This promotes a dynamic and effective learning environment that keeps pace with evolving educational needs.
When you decide to support educators who prioritize pedagogy, they create a learning environment that is engaging, interactive, and tailored to meet the needs of individual students. Pedagogical approaches focus on creating a student-centered learning experience, where students are encouraged to participate actively in their own learning process. This approach can lead to higher levels of student engagement, motivation, and achievement.
Overall, pedagogy matters because it is essential for promoting effective teaching and learning. By using evidence-based teaching practices, tailoring instruction to individual student needs, and creating a positive learning environment, teachers can help students achieve their full potential and succeed academically. Therefore, when you see student achievement that is low, consider prioritizing the development of teachers’ pedagogy.
