William Cope
Wei Liu
Pinakini Shah
Greg Jack
Leah Goldberg
Nell C Rundle
Bahar AnahmiasNew Learning MOOC’s Updates
Reflect on the differences between didactic and authentic pedagogies.
In my educational context, both didactic and authentic pedagogical models play an important role in developing students' competencies.
The didactic method, which focuses on direct teaching and knowledge transfer from teacher to student, is often applied in subjects that require a solid theoretical foundation such as Mathematics and Science. This method helps students grasp basic knowledge quickly and effectively. However, its limitation is the lack of connection with practice and the ability to apply knowledge to real-life situations.
In contrast, the authentic method focuses on learning through practical activities, projects and real-life problem solving. This encourages students to develop critical thinking skills, teamwork and apply knowledge to life. For example, in Science, students can conduct research projects on the local environment, thereby gaining a better understanding of human impact on nature.
To optimize teaching effectiveness, I combine both methods. Initially, I use the didactic method to provide background knowledge, then switch to the authentic method to have students apply and expand their knowledge through practical activities. This combination helps students not only gain a deeper understanding of knowledge but also develop skills necessary for the 21st century.
References:
Kalantzis, M., & Cope, B. (2012). New Learning: Elements of a Science of Education (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press.
Newmann, F. M., Secada, W. G., & Wehlage, G. G. (1995). A Guide to Authentic Instruction and Assessment: Vision, Standards, and Scoring. Wisconsin Center for Education Research.
Kirschner, P. A., Sweller, J., & Clark, R. E. (2006). Why Minimal Guidance During Instruction Does Not Work: An Analysis of the Failure of Constructivist, Discovery, Problem-Based, Experiential, and Inquiry-Based Teaching. Educational Psychologist, 41(2), 75–86.
Didactic and authentic pedagogies represent two distinct approaches to teaching and learning. Didactic pedagogy centers on direct instruction, where the teacher transmits knowledge and students are expected to absorb and reproduce it. This approach is efficient for conveying foundational facts and skills but often limits opportunities for critical thinking and creativity. In contrast, authentic pedagogy emphasizes learning through real-world, meaningful tasks that engage students actively in inquiry, problem-solving, and collaboration. It encourages deeper understanding and the ability to transfer knowledge beyond the classroom. While didactic methods provide structure and clarity, authentic pedagogies foster learner autonomy and relevance, highlighting the importance of balancing both approaches to meet diverse educational goals.