Educational Philosophy
I believe that a unique and multi-layered philosophy lies behind every educator and that it is based not only on their views and values, but also on the surrounding society which encourages the education. I feel that my particular teaching style falls directly between traditional and progressive points of view, thus labeling me as a diverse and broad-based educator who holds a central or moderate point of view.
To me, teaching is accurately described as "organizing knowledge" and it involves dispensing this knowledge to open minds, but then allowing the learners to do what they wish with the content that they are faced with. I believe that a teacher's main purpose is to sharpen the mind of the child, that being the intellectual, emotional, physical, and social aspects of them, all these having equal importance. As most teachers may not get to see all these aspects come into play within the classroom, it is important to also take into consideration the viewpoints of the parents and family as well as the immediate community when trying to determine educational objectives.
I believe that every classroom should be student-centered with the teacher providing the appropriate scaffolds. In terms of establishing the rules, consequences and instructional goals for the class, my authority in combination with student cooperation is the most appropriate. As the teacher, I do see myself as the ultimate authority on matters, however, I do feel that a classroom deserves to be run in a somewhat democratic fashion where the students have the opportunity to input their beliefs and desires when it comes to particular management issues.
I am a big supporter of rewarding for effort and improvement as I believe that along with content learning, building self-confidence is critical to the success of student work. In response to the fact that our society is becoming more and more technologically advanced, I do agree that technology should be used as a supplement in the classroom. I also acknowledge the fact that each student learns in a different way and that although some students may desire an auditory lesson, others may need a visual one and therefore technology can be used to facilitate a multi-model way of classroom teaching.
Last but certainly not least, I consider play, exercise and having fun some of the most important aspects to a school day. Studies show that when the brain responds to pleasurable situations, learning is considerably heightened. Giving the students a break from the rigorous school day and allowing them to interact with one another on a more personal level helps to promote social interaction, communication and imagination which are all immeasurably valuable when encouraging the value of teaching and learning.
To me, teaching is accurately described as "organizing knowledge" and it involves dispensing this knowledge to open minds, but then allowing the learners to do what they wish with the content that they are faced with. I believe that a teacher's main purpose is to sharpen the mind of the child, that being the intellectual, emotional, physical, and social aspects of them, all these having equal importance. As most teachers may not get to see all these aspects come into play within the classroom, it is important to also take into consideration the viewpoints of the parents and family as well as the immediate community when trying to determine educational objectives.
I believe that every classroom should be student-centered with the teacher providing the appropriate scaffolds. In terms of establishing the rules, consequences and instructional goals for the class, my authority in combination with student cooperation is the most appropriate. As the teacher, I do see myself as the ultimate authority on matters, however, I do feel that a classroom deserves to be run in a somewhat democratic fashion where the students have the opportunity to input their beliefs and desires when it comes to particular management issues.
I am a big supporter of rewarding for effort and improvement as I believe that along with content learning, building self-confidence is critical to the success of student work. In response to the fact that our society is becoming more and more technologically advanced, I do agree that technology should be used as a supplement in the classroom. I also acknowledge the fact that each student learns in a different way and that although some students may desire an auditory lesson, others may need a visual one and therefore technology can be used to facilitate a multi-model way of classroom teaching.
Last but certainly not least, I consider play, exercise and having fun some of the most important aspects to a school day. Studies show that when the brain responds to pleasurable situations, learning is considerably heightened. Giving the students a break from the rigorous school day and allowing them to interact with one another on a more personal level helps to promote social interaction, communication and imagination which are all immeasurably valuable when encouraging the value of teaching and learning.
