The issue of theory and practice in pedagogy

Abstract

The paper builds on the criticism of students in teacher education programmeswho call for greater emphasis on practice. The relationship between theoryand practice is ancient issue, but it still holds currency today. Key terms are definedand its philosophical background is explained. Different approaches to the relationshipbetween theory and practice are introduced that were formulated in the history ofpedagogy; special emphasis is laid on the perspective of the theory of education. Basedon the review of these different approaches, the connection of theory and practicein teacher education is discussed. Towards the end, a modern conception of teachereducation is proposed.

Keywords

• theory
• practice
• philosophical aspects of the theory-practice relationship
• teaching practice
• theory of education
• teacher education