pedagogical

adjective

ped·​a·​gog·​i·​cal ˌpe-də-ˈgä-ji-kəl How to pronounce pedagogical (audio) -ˈgō- How to pronounce pedagogical (audio)
variants or less commonly pedagogic
: of, relating to, or befitting a teacher or education
pedagogical methods
pedagogical concerns
pedagogically adverb

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Pedagogical, Pedagogy, and Pedagogue

Pedagogical and its cognates present us with an excellent example of how different words can come from the same root, retain closely related meanings, and yet take on distinctive connotations. Pedagogical, pedagogy, and pedagogue all come from the Greek paidagōgos, originally the word for an enslaved person who brought children to school. But while pedagogical and pedagogy have meanings simply related to education, teaching, or teachers (with no implied judgment), pedagogue has taken on a negative tone, often referring to a dull or overly formal teacher. A similar transformation has taken place with many of the pedant- words in English. Pedant originally denoted simply "a tutor," but now tends to mean "one who makes a show of knowledge." Pedantic formerly meant "relating to teaching," but now is more commonly used to mean "unimaginative or dull."

Examples of pedagogical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The Montessori approach to parenting is rooted in a respected pedagogical system started in the early 20th century by the Italian educator Maria Montessori. Kate Cray, The Atlantic, 27 Feb. 2024 The Kirby lists reflect a pedagogical philosophy that grew out of Kirby’s sociopolitical worldview. Kevin Hartnett, Quanta Magazine, 22 Feb. 2024 In an email, Professor Pasquale explained the pedagogical value of slide rules. Alex Traub, New York Times, 10 Feb. 2024 The administration at my law school would not allow such complaints to move forward to investigations because of its firm view that academic freedom protects reasonable pedagogical choices. Jeannie Suk Gersen, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2024 Traditional pedagogical methods typically entail one teacher instructing an average of 30 learners. Ethan Castro, IEEE Spectrum, 18 Dec. 2023 Gorgeously shot and studious about its people and places, the film takes a keen interest in the professor’s life as equal parts intellectual and libidinal and pedagogical, both frustrating and full. Lauren Michele Jackson, The New Yorker, 12 Dec. 2023 First, children were interested in birds, and their discussion eventually focused on birds' eyes, says Will Parnell, EdD, a Portland State University professor and the center's pedagogical liaison. Sarah Lindenfeld Hall, Parents, 14 Nov. 2023 However artful, the motive behind these biologically accurate images was not aesthetic but pedagogical, said Dr. Suzuki, the geneticist, science broadcaster, prolific author and perhaps Canada’s most prominent environmentalist. Norimitsu Onishi, New York Times, 20 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pedagogical.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

pedagogical from pedagogic + -al entry 1; pedagogic borrowed from French & New Latin; French pédagogique, borrowed from New Latin paedagōgicus, borrowed from Greek paidagōgikós "suitable for a teacher or trainer," from paidagōgós "attendant on a child, tutor" + -ikos -ic entry 1 — more at pedagogue

First Known Use

1595, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pedagogical was in 1595

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Dictionary Entries Near pedagogical

Cite this Entry

“Pedagogical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pedagogical. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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