UNIVERSITY OF EBOLOWA

COURSE INSTRUCTOR: DR N.B. TAR / DR MBONTEH / MR

EKANGA
Course Outline: Pedagogy and General Didactics (Level 4)

Module 1: Foundations of Pedagogy

Introduction to Pedagogy and Didactics
Historical Perspectives on Education and Pedagogy
Key Theories in Pedagogy (e.g., Constructivism, Behaviorism, Humanism)
The Role of Teachers and Educators in Modern Society

Module 2: Principles of Didactics

Introduction to Didactics: Definition, Scope, and Relevance
Differences between Pedagogy and Didactics
Core Didactic Principles and Frameworks
Designing Lesson Plans and Instructional Units

Module 3: Learning Theories and Their Application

Overview of Learning Theories
Applying Cognitive, Behavioral, and Social Learning Theories
Learning Styles and Multiple Intelligences
Adaptation of Learning Theories to Classroom Settings

Module 4: Teaching Strategies and Methodologies

Direct Instruction, Inquiry-Based Learning, and Project-Based Learning
Collaborative and Cooperative Learning Strategies
Differentiated Instruction and Inclusive Practices
Effective Questioning Techniques and Feedback

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Module 5: Classroom Management and Assessment
Classroom Management Strategies and Techniques
Creating an Engaging and Safe Learning Environment
Types of Assessment: Formative, Summative, Diagnostic, and Self-Assessment
Designing Rubrics and Other Assessment Tools

Module 6: Technology in Teaching and Learning

Integrating Technology to Enhance Teaching and Learning
Educational Technology Tools and Platforms
Digital Literacy and Ethics in Educational Technology
Addressing Digital Equity in the Classroom

Module 7: Reflective Practice and Professional Development

The Importance of Reflection in Teaching
Techniques for Reflective Practice
Professional Development and Lifelong Learning
Ethics and Standards in the Teaching Profession

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COURSE OBJECTIVES
By the end of this course, participants will:
1. Understand foundational theories and principles of pedagogy and didactics.
2. Develop skills in lesson planning, instructional design, and effective teaching
methodologies.
3. Analyze and apply various learning theories to enhance student engagement
and understanding.
4. Implement classroom management techniques to create an optimal learning
environment.
5. Utilize different types of assessment to monitor and support student progress.
6. Integrate technology effectively into the learning process, with attention to
accessibility and ethical considerations.
7. Engage in reflective practices to continually improve teaching effectiveness
and adapt to changing educational needs.

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COURSE OUTCOMES
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:
1. Demonstrate knowledge of key pedagogical theories and didactic approaches
in educational contexts.
2. Design effective lesson plans that incorporate diverse teaching methodologies
and learning theories.
3. Apply classroom management techniques to foster a positive, inclusive, and
safe classroom environment.
4. Select and implement appropriate assessment strategies to measure and
support student learning.
5. Use educational technology to enhance learning, making informed decisions
about tools that support diverse learners.
6. Reflect on and adapt teaching practices based on feedback, assessment data,
and personal observations.
7. Pursue continued professional development to meet the evolving demands of
the teaching profession.

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 LECTURE NOTES
Module 1: Foundations of Pedagogy
1.1 Introduction to Pedagogy and Didactics
Pedagogy: The art and science of teaching; focuses on methods and practices in
education.
Didactics: The science of instruction; emphasizes structured, systematic
teaching.
Pedagogy vs. Didactics: Pedagogy is broader, including societal aspects, while
didactics is more specific to instructional methods.
1.2 Historical Perspectives on Education
Ancient and Medieval Education (e.g., Socratic method, monastic schools)
Enlightenment and Education Reform (e.g., Rousseau, Pestalozzi)
20th-Century Educational Theories (e.g., Dewey, Montessori, Vygotsky)
1.3 Role of Educators
Teaching as a vocation and profession
Influence on social and emotional development of students
Ethical responsibilities and professional standards

Module 2: Principles of Didactics

2.1 Core Didactic Principles
Clarity: Simplify complex ideas for understanding.
Activity: Engage students actively in learning.
Gradation: Start with basics, moving to complex concepts.
Repetition: Reinforce learning through practice.
2.2 Didactic Frameworks
Direct Instruction: Teacher-centered approach, useful for foundational skills.
Constructivist Approach: Student-centered; emphasizes learning through
discovery.

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2.3 Lesson and Unit Planning
Objectives, content, methods, evaluation.
Importance of aligning lessons with curriculum standards.
Example of a lesson plan structure: Objectives, Materials, Introduction,
Development, Conclusion, Assessment.

Module 3: Learning Theories and Their Application

3.1 Overview of Learning Theories
Behaviorism (e.g., Pavlov, Skinner): Focus on observable behaviors,
reinforcement.
Cognitivism (e.g., Piaget, Bruner): Emphasizes mental processes and
knowledge construction.
Constructivism (e.g., Vygotsky): Learning as a social and contextual process.
3.2 Application of Learning Theories in Teaching
Behaviorism in classroom management (rewards and consequences)
Cognitivism in lesson structure (scaffolding)
Constructivism in active learning (collaborative projects, inquiry-based
learning)
3.3 Learning Styles and Multiple Intelligences
Learning Styles: Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic.
Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences: Linguistic, Logical-Mathematical, Spatial,
Musical, Bodily-Kinesthetic, Interpersonal, Intrapersonal, Naturalist.

Module 4: Teaching Strategies and Methodologies

4.1 Overview of Teaching Strategies
Direct Instruction: Structured, teacher-led, clear goals and feedback.
Inquiry-Based Learning: Student-driven exploration of questions/problems.
Project-Based Learning (PBL): Real-world projects with student autonomy.

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4.2 Collaborative and Cooperative Learning
Group work and peer learning for developing communication skills and team
collaboration.
Benefits of cooperative learning: improved engagement, social development.
4.3 Differentiated Instruction
Tailoring instruction to meet diverse student needs.
Differentiation in content, process, product, and environment.
4.4 Effective Questioning Techniques
Open vs. Closed Questions: Encourage deeper thinking with open-ended
questions.
Higher-Order Questions: Promote critical thinking using Bloom’s Taxonomy
(e.g., Analysis, Evaluation).

Module 5: Classroom Management and Assessment

5.1 Classroom Management
Creating routines and setting clear expectations.
Techniques for maintaining positive student behavior.
Strategies for addressing disruptions effectively and respectfully.
5.2 Types of Assessment
Formative Assessment: Ongoing checks (quizzes, discussions).
Summative Assessment: Final evaluations (tests, projects).
Diagnostic Assessment: Pre-assessments to gauge prior knowledge.
Self-Assessment and Peer Assessment: Encouraging student reflection and
accountability.
5.3 Designing Rubrics and Assessment Tools
Purpose of rubrics for clear evaluation criteria.
Examples of rubric components: criteria, scale, descriptors.

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Module 6: Technology in Teaching and Learning
6.1 Integrating Technology in Education
Benefits of technology for engagement, differentiation, and resource access.
Caution against over-reliance; technology as a tool, not a replacement for
teaching.
6.2 Educational Technology Tools
Learning Management Systems (LMS): Platforms like Google Classroom,
Moodle.
Interactive Tools: Kahoot, Quizlet, Padlet for quizzes, flashcards, and
collaboration.
Digital Creation Tools: Canva, Prezi, for student presentations and projects.
6.3 Digital Literacy and Ethical Use of Technology
Importance of teaching responsible use of digital tools.
Issues of digital privacy, plagiarism, and cyberbullying.
6.4 Digital Equity
Addressing accessibility in technology integration.
Ensuring equitable access to devices and internet.

Module 7: Reflective Practice and Professional Development

7.1 Importance of Reflective Practice
Benefits of reflection for self-assessment and continuous improvement.
Reflective practices: journaling, peer observations, self-recorded sessions.
7.2 Techniques for Reflective Practice
Gibbs Reflective Cycle: Description, Feelings, Evaluation, Analysis,
Conclusion, Action Plan.
Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle: Concrete Experience, Reflective
Observation, Abstract Conceptualization, Active Experimentation.
7.3 Professional Development
Continuing education, workshops, seminars.

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Engaging in teacher communities and professional organizations.
7.4 Ethics and Standards in Teaching
Confidentiality, fairness, respect, and adherence to institutional policies.
Examples of ethical dilemmas in teaching and strategies for resolution.