genlære

Genlære is a term used in Danish and Norwegian educational contexts to refer to the field of general pedagogy or general didactics. It covers the overarching principles of teaching and learning that apply across subjects, rather than the content of any single discipline. The term combines the Danish words gen- (general) and lære (to learn or education).

In teacher education and school practice, genlære provides foundational concepts for planning, delivering, and assessing instruction across subjects. It focuses on how students learn, how to structure learning experiences, and how to support meaningful participation in the classroom.

Genlære encompasses theories of learning and development, instructional design, assessment strategies, classroom management, and inclusive education. It examines how pupils acquire knowledge, develop literacy and numeracy, and engage in learning through motivation, feedback, and evaluation.

In many educational systems, genlære is taught as a core component of teacher training, alongside subject-specific didactics. Its aim is to equip teachers with a cross-curricular framework to adapt methods to students' diverse needs, backgrounds, and abilities. The term may be used variably across countries and over time, sometimes being synonymous with general didactics, general pedagogy, or foundational education theory.

Historically, genlære has played a role in debates about curriculum design, standardization, and the professionalization of teaching. In contemporary practice, it remains a reference point for concepts such as formative assessment, pedagogical decision-making, and reflective practice.