Didactic pedagogy today would be a traditional lecture in a university theatre, where a professor delivers information to a large group of students who passively listen and take note.

When is Didactic Pedagogy Appropriate? Didactic pedagogy is particularly effective in contexts that require the structured delivery of complex, rule-based information—such as the teaching of language grammar. Every language has its unique syntactic and grammatical structures, and a systematic presentation helps students memorise and internalise these rules. In such cases, the clarity and organisation of didactic teaching ensure that foundational knowledge is clearly conveyed and efficiently retained.

When is Didactic Pedagogy Inappropriate? However, didactic methods fall short when applied to creative or technical fields where experiential learning, critical thinking, and hands-on practice are essential. Courses that involve design, problem-solving, innovation, or the use of specialised equipment often demand interactive, learner-centred approaches that engage students in active exploration and real-world application.

In countries like Nigeria, the limitations of an overly didactic educational system are evident in the persistent disparity between technical and academic qualifications. Holders of Higher National Diplomas (HNDs), who often possess more practical and technical skills, are frequently discriminated against in favour of university degree holders (B.Sc.), despite being equally—or even more—competent in their roles. This imbalance has led to a devaluation of technical education and has negatively impacted national development. As Abdulkadir (2014) notes, the HND/B.Sc. dichotomy contributes to the stagnation of technological progress in Nigeria, ultimately posing long-term risks to economic growth and industrial competitiveness.

References:

Abdulkadir, S. (2014). HND/B.SC Dichotomy, Staggering Technology Development in Nigeria. Retrieved from http://thenationalpilot.co

Perceived Discrimination Against HND Holders. Retrieved from https://www.author-me.com/nonfiction/perceived.html