Pedagogy in School Education: A Holistic View

In the realm of school education, pedagogy forms the backbone of effective teaching and learning. More than just a collection of techniques, pedagogy is the thoughtful integration of educational philosophy, planning, and classroom practices.

If you will ask me to define pedagogy so i will say, Pedagogy is a dynamic process that involves planning, implementing, and adapting teaching to foster learning. It cannot be captured in a single word.

A deeper understanding of pedagogy, especially through the lens of What, Why, How, and Which, along with its four-layered structure—Approach, Method, Strategy, and Technique—can help educators create meaningful and inclusive learning experiences.

Understanding Pedagogy in School education: What, Why, How, Which

To apply pedagogy intentionally, teachers must begin by exploring its foundational aspects. The following framework provides a structured way to think about pedagogy in school settings.

What is Pedagogy in School Education?

Pedagogy is the art and science of teaching. It encompasses teaching methods, strategies, and the way learning is facilitated in the classroom. It is both philosophical and practical in nature.

Why Pedagogy in School Education?

Pedagogy ensures that learning is inclusive, effective, and purposeful, meeting the diverse needs of students while aligning with curriculum goals. It helps educators design learning environments where all students can thrive.

How is Pedagogy in School Education Practiced?

Planned Approach – Select teaching methods, activities, and assessments to meet learning goals.

Resource Use – Prepare and organize learning materials in advance.

Classroom Implementation – Deliver lessons, engage students, and monitor progress.

Adaptive Response – Modify pace, activities, or strategies based on student needs and classroom situations.

Continuous Alignment – Keep teaching aligned with objectives while staying flexible to change

Which Pedagogy to Use?

The selection of a particular pedagogy depends on several factors—learners’ age, subject content, socio-cultural context, and available resources. No single pedagogy fits all; it must be adapted to the situation.

Learner Profile – Consider age, prior knowledge, and learning styles.

Content Nature – Match pedagogy to the complexity and type of subject matter.

Context – Factor in socio-cultural environment and community expectations.

Resources – Adapt to the availability of materials, time, and technology.

Flexibility – No single method fits all; adjust to suit the situation.

The Four Layers of Pedagogy in School Education

To apply pedagogy effectively, it’s helpful to break it down into its four interconnected layers. These layers progress from broad educational beliefs to specific classroom actions:

Layer	Meaning	School-Level Example	Level of Application
Approach	The overall philosophy or belief about teaching and learning.	Constructivist approach—students learn by doing.	Broadest
Method	A general way of organizing teaching aligned with the approach.	Activity-based or inquiry-based learning.	General Plan
Strategy	A planned instructional path to deliver a concept or lesson.	Using group work, storytelling, or games.	Lesson Planning
Technique	Specific classroom steps or tools used during teaching.	Role-play, quizzes, or open-ended questions.	Classroom Action

Integrated Example: Teaching the Water Cycle in Class 5

To see how these concepts work together, let’s consider a practical example: teaching the water cycle to a Grade 5 science class.

• What: The objective is for students to understand the stages of the water cycle.
• Why: To help them connect scientific concepts to real-world phenomena and their daily experiences.
• How: By using activities like experiments, watching videos, drawing diagrams, and participating in group discussions.
• Which: Inquiry-based pedagogy is chosen to support experiential and reflective learning.

Layer-wise Implementation:

• Approach: Inquiry-based learning that encourages curiosity and questioning.
• Method: Experiential learning, where students learn by observing and doing.
• Strategy: Designing a hands-on experiment, such as simulating evaporation and condensation, followed by peer discussions to deepen understanding.
• Technique: Showing an animated video, guiding a drawing activity of the cycle, and asking thought-provoking questions like “What would happen if the Sun didn’t shine for a week?”

Common examples of Approches, methods, Stretegies and techniques

Following table is listing common Approaches, Methods, Strategies, and Techniques used in school education, organized for teachers’ reference. This will help teachers easily identify and select pedagogical tools suitable for various contexts:

Layer	Common Examples	Brief Description
Approaches (Beliefs about how learning happens)	– Constructivist Approach – Behaviorist Approach – Humanistic Approach – Experiential Approach – Inquiry-based Approach – Socio-cultural Approach – Multiliteracies Approach – Competency-based Approach	Broad philosophies that guide how teaching and learning are conceptualized.
Methods (General way of organizing teaching)	– Activity-based Learning (ABL) – Project-based Learning (PBL) – Inquiry-based Learning – Problem-solving Method – Montessori Method – Lecture-cum-discussion – Experiential Learning – Cooperative Learning	Frameworks for structuring learning experiences in alignment with the approach.
Strategies (Planned path or structure of instruction)	– Group Work – Peer Teaching – Storytelling – Brainstorming – Role Play – Concept Mapping – Think-Pair-Share – Case Study – Jigsaw Strategy – Flipped Classroom	Specific plans or sequences used during lessons to deliver content and engage students.
Techniques (Specific classroom actions or tools)	– Questioning (closed & open-ended) – Graphic Organizers – Quizzes – Games – Mind Mapping – Scaffolding – Demonstration – Use of Visual Aids – Exit Slips – Reflective Journaling	Concrete classroom-level practices used to implement a strategy. Often short, observable actions.

How to Use This Table:

• Start by identifying the Approach that aligns with your subject and student needs.
• Choose a Method that suits the lesson’s purpose and learning goals.
• Select a Strategy to organize the delivery.
• Use appropriate Techniques for interaction, assessment, and engagement.

Factors Affecting the Selection of Pedagogy in School Education

The choice of pedagogy in school education depends on various interrelated factors, ranging from student characteristics to infrastructure and curriculum. Understanding these helps teachers select the most appropriate pedagogical approach for effective and inclusive learning. Following table will help you to understand different categories and concerned factors with example which directly or indirectly may effect designing or planning the pedagoguy for teaching.

Key Factors Influencing Pedagogical Decisions

Illustration

However, for teaching ‘Pollution and Its Effects’ in Class 6:

• If students are from rural areas, pedagogy may include local examples and case studies.
• Where internet access is available, the teacher may use videos and digital simulations.
• With a large class, the teacher may use group work and peer teaching.

Conclusion

Pedagogy in school education is both an art and a science, a view echoed by education expert Robert J. Marzano, who states that, “Teaching is both an art and a science. The science part consists of strategies that research has proven to be effective. The art lies in knowing when and how to use them.” This dual nature is reflected throughout the pedagogical process, from broad philosophical approaches to specific classroom techniques.

As discussed, the science of pedagogy lies in its structured frameworks such as the What, Why, How, and Which, and its layered design from approach to technique. The art of pedagogy reveals itself in the teacher’s ability to adapt, improvise, and respond creatively to the diverse needs and contexts of their students.

Selecting the best pedagogy requires a thoughtful balance between learner needs, subject content, classroom context, and available resources. Factors such as students’ age, prior knowledge, socio-cultural background, and learning styles play a crucial role in determining the most effective approach. Teachers should also consider curriculum goals, time constraints, and assessment methods to ensure that the chosen pedagogy is both practical and impactful. Making informed choices in this way helps translate the philosophy of teaching into meaningful classroom experiences.

When educators internalize and apply pedagogy through this balanced lens, they make their teaching more intentional, inclusive, and impactful. Such a holistic understanding ensures that classrooms become spaces of inquiry, engagement, and growth across all levels of school education.