For a project I am doing, part of the definition of distance education is "Teaching methodologies may be synchronous or asynchronous, and shall facilitate and evaluate learning..." We were criticized for the word "methodologies" because we were told that "methodology" is the "study of methods." We changed "methodology" to "methods."

However, when I look up "methodology," I am thinking we were right. Whereas one definition of "methodology" is "the branch of philosophy concerned with the science of method and procedure," it is this definition that I think works, "a set or system of methods, principles, and rules for regulating a given discipline, as in the arts or sciences." Or even this one, "a branch of pedagogics dealing with analysis and evaluation of subjects to be taught and of the methods of teaching them."

What do you think?

Big words don't necessarily mean big thoughts.

I said that to my boss once and almost got fired. Thank heaven for the union.

quote:

We were criticized for the word "methodologies"

By whom? Did you point out to them the definitions you mention?

arnie, the comments came on a survey we had sent out to our membership so they weren't in person. However, someone on the committee agreed, so I'll definitely point out the definitions to her.

Interestingly, I started a discussion about Methods vs. Methodology in 2008, though it was related to research design. Take a look at the poem at the end. Fun!