48
General and Social Pedagogy
REGGIO DI CALABRIA
Overview
Date/time interval
Syllabus
Course Objectives
Knowledge:
Acquire theoretical knowledge and fundamental concepts in the field of social pedagogy.
Understand methodological and didactic approaches for the design and implementation of educational and social interventions.
Skills:
Develop operational skills for implementing educational projects aimed at developing critical thinking, self-awareness, and reducing social marginalization.
Apply analytical methods to effectively interpret and act within complex educational and social contexts.
Competences:
Develop reflective competence for critical analysis and interpretation of educational and social phenomena.
Promote and enhance transversal competences that foster social inclusion and integration.
Ability to design educational interventions in diverse social contexts, managing the complexity of contemporary society.
Course Prerequisites
Students are required to have a basic knowledge of General Pedagogy to facilitate the understanding of the complex concepts covered in the course.
Teaching Methods
The course will feature a wide variety of teaching approaches to ensure a rich and engaging learning experience. Students will participate in both lecture-based and interactive classes, where fundamental theoretical concepts will be presented and discussed.
These will be complemented by thematic seminars offering in-depth exploration of specific topics, enhanced by the participation of field experts.
Active methodologies will play a crucial role in the learning process.
Students will engage in case studies and analyses, allowing them to apply theory to real-world practice, stimulating critical and reflective thinking.
Additionally, group work will be encouraged to develop collaborative and problem-solving skills, fostering peer interaction and the integration of diverse perspectives.
This combination of teaching methods aims to enhance students' autonomy, encouraging them to become active protagonists of their learning journey and to develop essential skills for their future professional and educational contexts.
Assessment Methods
Monitoring of learning objectives will occur in two phases: 1) an ongoing assessment, based on interaction via the Mentimeter app with multiple-choice quizzes; 2) a final assessment consisting of an oral exam.
Assessment Criteria
During the oral exam, assessment will focus on the following aspects:
Completeness and relevance: accuracy of acquired knowledge with respect to the course topics;
Integration and application: ability to connect theoretical content to concrete and real-world professional contexts;
Term mastery: correct and timely use of pedagogical and scientific vocabulary;
Critical thinking: ability to examine educational issues by proposing original strategies and solutions.
Grade definition:
The assessment of skills aims to confirm independent reflection and the ability to apply knowledge and skills in the workplace. Performance evaluation is expressed in thirtieths (from 18/30 to 30/30 with honors) according to the following standards:
Excellent (30 – 30 with honors): The student demonstrates complete, comprehensive, and detailed mastery of the topics covered. He or she demonstrates strong critical maturity, impeccable scientific language, and a perfect ability to connect theory to practice.
Excellent (28 – 29): Preparation is thorough and solid. Excellent command of language and a confident ability to critically analyze and apply content to real-world situations are evident.
Good (25 – 27): Knowledge of the content is adequate and well-structured. The student uses scientific terminology correctly, demonstrating strong personal development skills and a timely contextualization of theoretical knowledge within the operational dynamics of the business world.
Fair (22 – 24): A fair understanding of the topics covered is evident. Proficiency in technical language is acceptable, and the student demonstrates a basic ability to create connections between theory and applied contexts.
Sufficient (18-21): Knowledge is superficial or limited to general aspects. Scientific language is adequate, and the ability to analyze and connect is present, albeit at a basic level.
Insufficient: Significant learning gaps, improper use of terminology, or knowledge based solely on memory without understanding are evident.
Texts
Reference Texts
Striano M. (2004). Introduction to Social Pedagogy. Rome-Bari, Laterza, pp. 1-144.
Capo M. (2022). Life Stories and Self-Knowledge. The Experience of the OPENN Project. Contemporaneity and New Adulthood Series, Milan, ETS.
Contents
The course offers an introduction to Social Pedagogy as a particular sphere of theoretical reflection and educational practice, with a focus on the "spaces of education" and the "times of education," and thus with an emphasis on lifelong learning and educational project work, as well as didactic and educational research methodologies. In line with the educational objectives, the course pays attention to the areas of interest in Social Pedagogy, particularly concerning learning processes; understanding and preventing processes of marginalization of individuals and groups; and identifying and enhancing educational opportunities and potential to promote learning aimed at: fostering the development of inclusive communities of citizens, regardless of their social, cultural, linguistic, and religious characteristics; rehabilitating individuals and/or social groups identified as having special needs towards exercising active, aware, and responsible citizenship, with particular attention to migrant minors.
Expected Learning Outcomes (Dublin Descriptors)
Upon completion of the course, students should demonstrate the acquisition of theoretical knowledge related to the studied discipline and skills useful for identifying emerging needs in complex contemporary socio-cultural scenarios (socio-economic transformations, the impact and use of new media, migratory flows, etc.).
Knowledge and Understanding:
Be able to critically describe and discuss theories and models related to social pedagogy; be capable of recognizing new educational needs in the global contemporary scenario and identifying them through a relevant analysis of individual, contextual, and social variables; know and be able to promote an inclusive, social pedagogy model.
Applied Knowledge and Understanding:
Be able to use the methodologies introduced during the course to critically analyze and evaluate situations and issues related to the educational context; be capable of designing and implementing educational interventions that promote and value differences.
Autonomy of Judgment:
Develop a personal point of view on the central themes of the course through a selection of theoretical reference models, methodologies, and operational devices.
Communication Skills:
Manage information and communicate effectively, using appropriate technical and specialized language; be able to build and maintain effective educational relationships with individuals in situations of social marginalization.
Learning and Interaction Skills:
Successfully interact and cooperate with team members to achieve a common goal and/or complete a task effectively and efficiently, useful in team pedagogical work; be able to evaluate information, identify connections, and formulate hypotheses for solutions related to emerging needs in complex contemporary socio-cultural scenarios.
On the first day of class, the course program, evaluation, and assessment methods will be presented.
The following topics will be addressed:
Social challenges for social pedagogy;
Fields of intervention;
The pedagogical setting;
The places of education (formal, non-formal, informal);
Didactic methodologies and educational research (action research; participatory action research);
The narrative approach: implementation in the school setting;
The teacher's social, design, and intercultural competences;
Teamwork and management of the classroom group from an intercultural perspective;
Global citizenship.
More information
The professor is available for meetings both in person and remotely, by appointment via email.