What is Pedagogy?
At the heart of every memorable training, teaching, or coaching session lies a crucial element often overlooked: pedagogy. This isn't just a fancy term for educators to throw around; it's the core of effective learning. Pedagogy— the theory and practice of how learning and teaching—plays a pivotal role in crafting meaningful educational experiences. Understanding the "why" behind learning processes is what bridges the gap between superficial knowledge and true understanding.
Take, for example, the scenario where you're seeking to implement Salesforce training for your team. An intake conversation may sound like this:
Instructor: Why is important for your team to know how to use Salesforce?
Client: We’ve recently switched CRM systems and want to ensure that Salesforce is the source of truth for ensuring all data and customer information is in one place
Instructor: "if your participants were to walk away with one thing from this training with absolute confidence, what would it be?"
Client: “if anything, all sales leads and opportunities should be entered with confidence”
By diving into the "why" we can tailor a training that resonates with your team's specific challenges and goals. It's not just about navigating a new tool — it's about understanding why organizing data effectively is pivotal and how Salesforce can become the linchpin in this process. Through this approach, we ensure that the focus isn't just on the "how" but also on the underlying purpose, making the learning journey contextual and meaningful. To put it simply, people don’t truly learn if they don’t care.
When we look at classic educational scenarios - working with kids and young adults - incorporating traditional pedagogical methods is equally vital and perhaps more familiar. By defining what success looks like through clear rubrics and encouraging an environment where learners are inquisitive, curious, and collaborative, we tap into the timeless essence of learning. Learning is about fostering a space where questions are encouraged, exploration is the norm, and collaboration is key.
In the work we do together, whether in coaching or designing your learning experiences, the emphasis on pedagogy ensures that we're not just passing along information. You can do that yourself. We're igniting a passion for learning, understanding the "why" behind each lesson, and equipping learners with the knowledge and confidence to apply what they've learned. This is the foundation of every training I design and every coaching session I conduct—creating experiences that are not only informative but thoughtful and connective.