Open pedagogies refer to a set of educational approaches that prioritize openness, collaboration, and learner empowerment. Unlike traditional teacher-centred methods, open pedagogies emphasize active participation and engagement from students, encouraging them to take ownership of their learning process. This educational philosophy is closely aligned with the principles of open education, which promote free access to knowledge, resources, and educational opportunities.

The belief that learning should be a collaborative and inclusive endeavour is at the core of open pedagogies. Teachers serve as facilitators and guides, creating a supportive environment where students can explore, experiment, and co-create knowledge. Open pedagogies often involve project-based learning, problem-solving activities, and group work, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and teamwork skills.

One key aspect of open pedagogies is the use of open educational resources (OERs). These are freely available educational materials, such as textbooks, videos, and interactive tools, that anyone can access, modify, and share. By utilizing OERs, educators can customize and adapt learning materials to suit the needs of their students, enhancing accessibility and relevance.

Another hallmark of open pedagogies is the integration of technology. Online platforms, collaborative tools, and social media networks can facilitate learners’ communication, collaboration, and knowledge sharing. Technology enables students to connect with peers and experts worldwide, expanding their perspectives and fostering global citizenship.

Open pedagogies also promote learner autonomy and agency. Students are encouraged to set their own learning goals, pursue their interests, and take responsibility for their learning. This approach nurtures intrinsic motivation and a lifelong love of learning, as students feel a sense of ownership and empowerment in their educational journey.

Furthermore, open pedagogies encourage transparency and open dialogue. Assessment and evaluation methods focus on feedback and reflection rather than just grades, promoting continuous improvement and self-assessment skills. Students are actively involved in assessing their own progress and learning outcomes, creating a culture of shared responsibility and ongoing learning.

Open pedagogies are a strongly applicable education approach to our topic, which revolves around financial literacy. Personal finance is not a cut-and-paste topic. Things are always changing, and everyone’s budgets and bills will look different. This causes the topic to require strong problem-solving skills. By teaching through a method of active participation, students can fully submerge in concepts surrounding credit cards, loans, and budgeting, among other relevant topics.