“Quum diues quidam filium adolescentulum ad Socratem misisset,
ut indolem illius inspiceret, ac pædagogus diceret, Pater ad te ô
tum Socrates ad puerum,
significans, ingenium hominis non tam in uultu relucere,
quam in oratione, quòd hoc sit certissimum minimeq- ; mendax animi
speculum”
________________________
“When a rich man sent his youthful son to Socrates so that he
could see the promise of his son, the slave who brought him said,
‘Socrates, the father sends his son so you can see him.’
Socrates replied to the boy, ‘Speak so that I may see you.’
Meaning: the character of a man shines less in his face than in
his speech because speech is the most reliable and least deceitful
mirror of the soul.”
------- where's [slave] in the Latin text?
i see... it's not there at all.
paedagōgus 'a slave who accompanied children to and from school, and
had charge of them at home' (Cassell's Latin Dictionary, 202nd thousand)
παιδαγωγός 'the slave who went with a boy from home to school and back
again, hence generally a tutor, teacher, instructor' (Liddell & Scott's
Greek-English Lexicon (abridged), twenty-sixth edition)
Thanks!
___________________________ current usage:
Summary: while "pedagogue" can have a somewhat formal or potentially
negative connotation, "pedagogy" is a neutral term for the science and
art of teaching.
Understanding good pedagogy allows educators to develop effective
methods and create a positive learning environment for their students.
Here's a breakdown of its current usage:
General Definition: A pedagogue is someone who is involved in the theory
and practice of teaching.
Formal vs Informal:
Formal: In academic settings, a pedagogue can refer to someone who
studies or is an expert in pedagogy (the science and art of teaching).
Informal: In everyday language, "pedagogue" is less common than
"teacher" or "educator." It can sometimes have a slightly negative
connotation, implying an overly strict or formal teacher who focuses on
rote learning rather than fostering a love of learning.
Key Points:
Emphasis on Theory: A pedagogue may not necessarily be a classroom
teacher but someone who is more focused on the theoretical aspects of
education and teaching methods.
Not Always Negative: The negative connotation is not always present. It
depends on the context and how the word is used.
________Pedagogy (Today's Meaning)
Pedagogy refers to the theory and practice of teaching. Here's a
breakdown of its meaning:
Focus: It encompasses the methods, approaches, and techniques used to
effectively educate and instruct students.
Broad Scope: Pedagogy covers a wide range of topics, including:
Learning theories: How students learn and acquire knowledge.
Teaching methods: Different approaches for delivering instruction.
Curriculum development: Designing and organizing learning experiences.
Assessment: Evaluating student learning and progress.
___________________________
"Paedagōgus" (παιδαγωγός) is an ancient Greek word that literally
translates to "child-leader." Here's a breakdown of its historical
meaning and usage:
Historical Context:
In ancient Greece, wealthy families often employed slaves or freedmen
called paedagogoi to care for their children, particularly boys.
These paedagogoi were responsible for a range of duties, including:
Escorting children to and from school.
Supervising playtime.
Providing basic education and moral guidance.
Sometimes even acting as a disciplinarian.
Evolution of the Term:
Over time, the meaning of "paedagogue" evolved beyond its literal
translation.
It came to represent someone who guides or instructs a child, not
necessarily a slave or servant.
Today, the term "pedagogue" (derived from the Greek word) is still used,
but it can have a slightly negative connotation.
It can imply an overly strict or formal teacher who focuses on rote
learning rather than fostering a love of learning.
Modern Usage:
In education, "pedagogue" refers to a person who studies or is an expert
in the theory and practice of teaching.
It can also be used more broadly to describe anyone who teaches or
instructs, especially children.
Here are some additional points to consider:
The plural form of "paedagōgus" is "paedagōgoi" (παιδαγωγοί).
The term "pedagogue" is less common than "teacher" or "educator" in
everyday language.