Pedagogy

Stated simply, pedagogy is the art of teaching. However, it is important to explore what “art of” really means to recognize the vitality and complexity of the term. When educational practices ascend to the designation of “art,” it means those involved are making intentional decisions based on a set of beliefs. Further, as in any performing art, there is a desire to refine one's effortsto achieve an ideal of perfection. To that end, the artist engaged in art as well as the teacher engaged in pedagogy become acutely aware of the nuances, flows, and tensions within their work so they can move closer to their images of the ideal. Thus, consciousness, intentionality, refinement, and belief are critical elements within any pedagogy.