Didactics
Encyclopedia
A didactic method is a teaching method
that follows a consistent scientific approach or educational style to engage the student’s mind.
The didactic method of instruction is often contrasted with dialectics and the Socratic method
; the term can also be used to refer to a specific didactic method, as for instance constructivist didactics
.
Didactics is the theory of teaching and, in a wider sense, the theory and practical application of teaching and learning
.
In demarcation from "Mathetics
" (the science of learning), didactics refers only to the science of teaching.
This theory might be contrasted with open learning
, also known as experiential learning
, in which people can learn by themselves, in an unstructured manner, on topics of interest.
Teaching method
A teaching method comprises the principles and methods used for instruction. Commonly used teaching methods may include class participation, demonstration, recitation, memorization, or combinations of these...
that follows a consistent scientific approach or educational style to engage the student’s mind.
The didactic method of instruction is often contrasted with dialectics and the Socratic method
Socratic method
The Socratic method , named after the classical Greek philosopher Socrates, is a form of inquiry and debate between individuals with opposing viewpoints based on asking and answering questions to stimulate critical thinking and to illuminate ideas...
; the term can also be used to refer to a specific didactic method, as for instance constructivist didactics
Constructivist teaching methods
Constructivist teaching is based on constructivist learning theory. This theoretical framework holds that learning always builds upon knowledge that a student already knows; this prior knowledge is called a schema...
.
Didactics is the theory of teaching and, in a wider sense, the theory and practical application of teaching and learning
Learning
Learning is acquiring new or modifying existing knowledge, behaviors, skills, values, or preferences and may involve synthesizing different types of information. The ability to learn is possessed by humans, animals and some machines. Progress over time tends to follow learning curves.Human learning...
.
In demarcation from "Mathetics
Mathetics
Mathetics is the science of learning. The term was coined by John Amos Comenius in his work Spicilegium didacticum, published in 1680. He understood Mathetics as the opposite of Didactics, the science of teaching...
" (the science of learning), didactics refers only to the science of teaching.
This theory might be contrasted with open learning
Open learning
Open learning is a teaching method that is, among others, founded on the work of Célestin Freinet and Maria Montessori.Open learning is supposed to allow pupils self-determined, independent and interest-guided learning....
, also known as experiential learning
Experiential learning
Experiential learning is the process of making meaning from direct experience. Simply put, Experiential Learning is learning from experience. The experience can be staged or left open. Aristotle once said, "For the things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them." David A...
, in which people can learn by themselves, in an unstructured manner, on topics of interest.