Teaching: meaning, definitions and examples

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teaching

[ˈtiːtʃɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in education

The profession or occupation of a teacher. It involves imparting knowledge, skills, and values to students in a structured and systematic way.

Synonyms

education, instruction, pedagogy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
teaching	General term for the act of imparting knowledge or skills, commonly used for all types of learning situations from formal classes to informal training. She has been teaching English for over 10 years. Teaching children requires a lot of patience.
instruction	More specific term that refers to the detailed guidance or directions given to someone in the learning process, often involving step-by-step methods. The manual provides clear instructions on how to assemble the furniture. She gave him instructions on how to complete the assignment.
education	Broad concept that includes the entire process of learning and developing skills, knowledge, values, and attitudes, often in a formal setting like schools or universities. He dedicated his life to education reform. The government invests heavily in public education.
pedagogy	Academic and theoretical term that refers to the methods and principles of teaching, often used in discussions about educational theories and practices. Modern pedagogy emphasizes student-centered learning. He studied pedagogy in graduate school.

Examples of usage

Her passion for teaching inspired her students to excel in their studies.
Effective teaching requires patience, creativity, and dedication.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

transitive verb

To give lessons or instruction to someone. It involves explaining concepts, demonstrating techniques, and guiding the learning process.

Synonyms

coach, educate, instruct.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
teaching	Typically used when discussing the general process or profession of sharing knowledge, often in a classroom setting. She loves teaching elementary school students. Teaching mathematics requires a lot of patience.
educate	Used broadly to describe the act of providing knowledge or information, usually in a more formal or structured manner. The program aims to educate people about the dangers of smoking. Schools have a responsibility to educate students in both academic and life skills.
instruct	Often used when giving specific directions or information on how to do something, usually in a more authoritative or formal setting. The manual instructs users on how to assemble the furniture. The teacher instructed the class on how to conduct the experiment.
coach	Usually refers to guiding someone in a specific skill or activity, often involving sports, but can also apply to personal or professional development. He coaches the high school football team. She hired a coach to improve her public speaking skills.

Examples of usage

She enjoys teaching young children how to read and write.
He is currently teaching a course on computer programming at the university.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The word comes from the Old English 'tǣcan', meaning to show or instruct.
Formal schooling started in ancient Egypt around 3000 BCE, where scribes taught young boys to read and write.
The first university, established in Bologna, Italy, in 1088, made teaching a formal profession.

Psychology

Research shows that active involvement helps students remember more than just listening.
Teaching others can significantly increase the teacher's own understanding of a subject due to cognitive reinforcement.
The 'zone of proximal development' theory suggests students learn best when taught just above their current skill level.

Pop Culture

The popular movie 'Dead Poets Society' depicts the impact of inspiring teaching on students' lives.
Educational TV shows, like 'Bill Nye the Science Guy', play a significant role in making learning entertaining.
In video games, 'edutainment' combines gaming with teaching, making learning fun and interactive.

Science

Studies indicate that teaching a subject can enhance retention more than studying it alone.
Neuroscience research shows that both teaching and learning activate similar areas of the brain, highlighting a connection.
Educational interventions have been shown to close achievement gaps among students from different backgrounds.

Literature

Socratic dialogue emphasizes that effective teaching involves asking questions to stimulate critical thinking.
The theme of teaching and mentorship is central in classic novels, such as 'To Kill a Mockingbird', where Atticus Finch guides his children.
In many cultures, oral storytelling serves as a traditional method of teaching morals and lessons through narratives.

Translations

Translations of the word "teaching" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ensino

🇮🇳 शिक्षण (Shikshan)

🇩🇪 Unterrichten

🇮🇩 mengajar

🇺🇦 викладання

🇵🇱 nauczanie

🇯🇵 教育 (kyōiku)

🇫🇷 enseignement

🇪🇸 enseñanza

🇹🇷 öğretim

🇰🇷 가르침 (gareuchim)

🇸🇦 تعليم (ta'leem)

🇨🇿 výuka

🇸🇰 vyučovanie

🇨🇳 教学 (jiàoxué)

🇸🇮 poučevanje

🇮🇸 kennsla

🇰🇿 оқыту (oqytu)

🇬🇪 სწავლება (sts'avleba)

🇦🇿 tədris

🇲🇽 enseñanza

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,210, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.

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1207 justice
1208 mouth
1209 learn
1210 teaching
1211 highest
1212 policies
1213 worth
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