Introduction to Pedagogy

General Foundation

General Foundation

Familiarity and understanding of basic pedagogical terminology, the subject of Pedagogical Science and its research methods. Ability to distinguish and compare different theoretical frameworks and educational policy options for the formation of the aims of education, the educational process, the role of teachers and students. Investigation of personal theories on education, teaching and learning and critical reflection. Understanding the structural characteristics of education and strengthening a critical approach to educational phenomena with a systemic perspective and with a focus on social justice. Familiarity with basic prerequisites and principles of teaching and learning.

The course Introduction to Pedagogy is aimed at students with the aim of critically and extensively analyzing pedagogy as a deeply human, cultural, and political process. Pedagogy is not approached here as a set of teaching techniques, but as a dynamic field of theoretical and practical reflexivity — historically grounded, socially embedded, and ethically charged. Students are encouraged to think critically about the multiple meanings and practices of education, and to delve into the factors that influence what is taught, to whom, how, and why. Beginning with fundamental questions about the nature and purposes of education, the course examines the historical, philosophical, and sociopolitical foundations of pedagogical thought. It highlights the student as a complex subject shaped by identity, experience and intersectionality, while at the same time acknowledging the role of family, community and informal learning spaces in learning pathways. Attention then turns to the role of the teacher — not simply as a transmitter of knowledge, but as a moral, emotional and interpersonal agent who co-shapes the learning environment. Curricula are also examined: how they are constructed, who decides the content, and how power, ideology and politics are intertwined in teaching practice. The course focuses on social inequalities in education, examining how class differences, gender, migration, race and disability affect access to and experience of learning. These issues are approached in an interdisciplinary manner and with reflection on the pedagogical approaches required. In the second half, the course examines the challenges of contemporary education: the impact of digital and post-digital environments, lifelong learning, adult education and popular education. Particular emphasis is placed on global and decolonial perspectives, the recognition of multiple cognitive traditions and the issue of scientific and cultural justice. The course concludes with the study of democratic education and critical pedagogy, encouraging students to perceive education not only as preparation for life, but as a way of life that cultivates action, consciousness and collectivity for social transformation. By the end of the course, students will have developed a broad conceptual framework and critical perception for understanding education in its various forms, and will be able to approach their educational identity with reflexivity, ethics and social responsibility. The course is structured in 13 weeks as follows: 1. What is Pedagogy? Revisiting the Foundations in the 21st Century 2. Learning as a Right and as Recognition: Ethics, Access and Human Development 3. Students: Identity, Experience and Intersectoriality 4. Family and Informal Pedagogical Practices: Education Beyond School 5. The Educator: Roles, Emotions and Professional Ethics 6. Curriculum and Knowledge Politics: Who Decides What We Teach and What Students Learn? 7. School and Institutional Learning: Power, Structure and Socialization 8. Pedagogy and Social Inequalities: Class, Race, Migration, Ability 9. Gender, Sexuality and Inclusion in Education: Feminist and Queer Perspectives 10. Post-Digital Pedagogy: Screens, Artificial Intelligence and Hybrid Learning Environments 11. Lifelong Learning, Adult Education and Popular Education: Learning Throughout Life 12. Global and Decolonial Approaches to Education: Interculturality and Cognitive Justice 13. Education and Democracy: Critical Pedagogy and Social Transformation Also, during the semester, participants visit schools and libraries, are informed about searching and finding educational bibliography and articles, and are trained in scientific technology.

Pedagogy, Research, teachers, teaching, learning

08-09-2025