“Idea of a University” : applying J. H. Newman’s content and pedagogy to the primary school

Abstract

This study explores the concepts of education, knowledge and pedagogy as put forward by Cardinal Newman in “Idea of a University”. Moreover, the study aims to point out the content and pedagogy promoted in this book. With the participation of five Head of schools and class teachers, the researcher explored Newman’s definition using the five Maltese professionals as a comparison. There seems to be an agreement on education and knowledge between Maltese educators and Newman’s work. However, the pedagogy that seems to be promoted in primary schools differs from the one promoted in Newman’s work. The preference among the Maltese Head of schools and class teachers interviewed during this study seems to be for a child-centred pedagogy, whereas Newman promotes critical-thinking and inquiry-based learning