Pedagogic Theories

by

Juha Hämäläinen

• LAST REVIEWED: 27 May 2020
• LAST MODIFIED: 27 May 2020
• DOI: 10.1093/obo/9780199791231-0015

Introduction

“Pedagogue” (παιδαγογος) was originally a term for a slave who was responsible for the care of children in the household. Later the meaning of the word expanded to mean educator and teacher. A pedagogic theory deals with the nature and structure of educational action, teaching, and upbringing. Pedagogic theories are connected with belief and value systems, concepts of man and society, and philosophies of knowledge and political interests. Thus, it is rather difficult to define a pedagogic theory exactly. In general, the concept of pedagogy refers to a systematic view of organizing education. It discusses the issues of how to educate and what it means to be educated. In this sense, a pedagogic theory is a theory of educational action, or a systematic view and reflection of pedagogic practice. Pedagogic theory is a systematic conceptualization of the process of education and conditions of human development in both the individual and the societal life sphere. It deals with processes of upbringing, teaching, learning, and social and cultural development. Aims and means, values and norms, and objectives and methods of education are systematically reflected therein. Pedagogic theory building starts with two fundamental anthropologic questions: What is a human being, and what should he or she be? Combining these questions, pedagogic theory examines educational aims and means of helping human beings to develop toward what they should be. Pedagogic reflection and theory building are based on the idea that—in the words of Immanuel Kant—a human being can become human only through education. Studying childhood from the vantage point of pedagogic theories focuses on the development of a pedagogic way of thinking over the course of time.

General Overviews

In effect, all comprehensive treatises on the history and philosophy of education include a general overview of pedagogic theories by considering the development of educational thinking and the basic theoretical concepts. For example, the McGraw-Hill Series in Education, begun after World War II, contains many important works illustrating the nature, multiplicity, and historical development of the pedagogic way of thinking. Brubacher 1966 is worthy of mention as a modern classic, but there are many other worthwhile general overviews on the history of educational thought. The majority of pedagogic theories do not only analyze the nature of education but also take a stand on “how education ought to proceed, what it is for, and whose interests it ought to serve,” as stated by Nicolas C. Burbules and Nathan Raybeck (Burbules and Raybeck 2003, p. 1882). Frankena 2003 covers a short historical overview on the pedagogic schools of thought, and Burbules and Raybeck 2003 discusses the current trends in the philosophy of education, identifying prescriptive, analytical, and critical impulses therein. Wynne 1963 introduces twelve types of theories, focusing on the philosophical foundations, implications, applications, and cultural conditions of each, and makes concluding comments. Correspondingly, Ellis, et al. 1991 discusses five philosophies—idealism, realism, Neo-Thomism, experimentalism/pragmatism, and existentialism—that have influenced the development of educational thought. O’Neill 1981 makes a distinction between conservative and liberal educational ideologies. Benner 2001 provides a systematic analysis of the most important currents of pedagogic theories. By introducing the most significant concepts of man in Western and Eastern thought, Stevenson and Haberman 2008 places the fundamental issue of human nature into the debate on pedagogic theory. Jackson 2011 deals with the nature of pedagogic thinking, and Noddings 2018 comprehensively discusses the key branches of educational philosophy.

• Benner, Dietrich. Hauptströmungen der Erziehungswissenschaft: Eine Systematik traditioneller und moderner Theorien. 4th ed. UTB: Uni-Taschenbucher. Weinheim, Germany: Beltz, 2001.

  This German modern classic of systematic pedagogy offers a structured overview of the field of pedagogic theories. First published in 1973.

• Brubacher, John S. A History of the Problems of Education. 2d ed. Foundations in Education. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1966.

  The author considers trends in educational thought from a historical point of view, paying attention to ideological aspects therein. The book is an overview of the history of ideas of education. First published 1947.

• Burbules, Nicolas C., and Nathan Raybeck. “Philosophy of Education: Current Trends.” In Encyclopedia of Education. 2d ed. Vol. 5. Edited by James W. Guthrie, 1880–1885. New York: Macmillan, 2003.

  Schools and trends of educational thought in the 20th century and their backgrounds are introduced briefly.

• Ellis, Arthur K., John J. Cogan, and Kenneth R. Howey. Introduction to the Foundations of Education. 3d ed. Boston: Allyn & Bacon, 1991.

  The authors introduce and discuss cardinal schools of educational thought, paying attention to their historical background and ontological and epistemological basis.

• Frankena, William K. “Philosophy of Education: Historical Overview.” In Encyclopedia of Education. 2d ed. Vol. 5. Edited by James W. Guthrie, 1877–1880. New York: Macmillan, 2003.

  The article is a brief historical overview of schools and trends of educational thought and their backgrounds.

• Jackson, Philip W. What Is Education? Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2011.

  DOI: 10.7208/chicago/9780226389394.001.0001

  Influenced by John Dewey’s philosophy of education, this book challenges educators to reflect upon the nature of education. The author highlights the importance of the quality of educational thinking and quality understanding of the nature and meaning of education, in particular, for the development of the quality of educational practice.

• Noddings, Nel. Philosophy of Education. 4th ed. New York and London: Routledge, 2018.

  DOI: 10.4324/9780429494864

  After a short overview of some great educationalist pre-20th century, the author discusses the most important schools of thought of educational philosophy from epistemological, ethical, social-philosophy-related, and political perspectives, paying attention to historical and systems-rational aspects. First published 2016 by Westview Press.

• O’Neill, William F. Educational Ideologies: Contemporary Expressions of Educational Philosophy. Santa Monica, CA: Goodyear, 1981.

  The author offers a view on schools of educational thought by analyzing how they are influenced by different ideological interests.

• Stevenson, Leslie, and David L. Haberman. Ten Theories of Human Nature. 5th ed. New York: Oxford University Press, 2008.

  By providing a versatile survey on the most central theories of the universe and humanity, this book reflects pedagogic theory from the point of view of its ontological foundations.

• Wynne, John Peter. Theories of Education: An Introduction to the Foundations of Education. Harper’s Series on Teaching. New York: Harper & Row, 1963.

  In this versatile overview, theories of education are considered by focusing on their ideological backgrounds and meanings.