Fundamental Pedagogy Jana Doležalová

2 
Pedagogy – the Science of Education 
Objectives 
After studying this chapter: 

You will be able to explain why pedagogy is a science and will be able 
to define its subject matter and characteristics.

You will be able to classify pedagogical disciplines and give examples.

You will be able to explain why pedagogy is being described as a 
transdisciplinary science. 
Terms to Remember (Key Words) 

pedagogy 

subject matter of 
pedagogy 

characteristics of 
pedagogy as a 
science 

transdisciplinary 
science 

pedagogical 
disciplines 
Introductory Questions and Assignments 
1. Have you already encountered the study of pedagogy? If you have, 
what topics did you address? 
2. Have you already read a pedagogy-related publication or magazine? 
For what purpose? What has drawn your attention while reading? 
Was it a scientific book/magazine or a popular text? 
3. Have you participated in a pedagogical (educational) survey or 
research? What was its purpose and outcome? What role did you play 
in the survey? 
2.1 Definition of Pedagogy 
Many experts believe that the definition of pedagogy is not clear, as there is 
no systematic approach to this issue, and opinions on its structure and 
interdisciplinary cooperation vary a lot (Duchovičová, 2012, p. 10). The 
terminology is often not explained in a uniform way and pedagogy is often 
influenced by various theories. Still, many significant characteristics shared 
by experts exist.

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Pedagogy is an independent social anthroposophic science (science about 
humans). It represents an organised system of findings about educational 
processes and its results, conditions and factors that determine the 
education, as well as the main agents of the process. Pedagogy studies 
education in its versatility and diversity.
Pedagogy describes, explains, compares, evaluates and generalises the 
findings about pedagogical phenomena. It reveals and formulates the 
pedagogical principles and rules which reflect the relationships and 
connections in educational practice. Based on these findings, pedagogy 
proposes constructs and concepts (theories, models, plans) which are 
subsequently verified in practice. The findings are thus specified and a 
pedagogical theory is developed, together with other fields within 
interdisciplinary character.
In other words, pedagogy is a normative science (formulating norms, 
rules, principles and guidelines for education and upbringing) and a