I began developing my philosophy of teaching and learning two years ago when I enrolled at the University of Mary Washington to seek my Masters of Education. When I began my coursework, I was tasked with creating my philosophy of education. Even though I had little experience with actually teaching, I began developing my philosophy based on my personal education background and beliefs.
From the beginning, and to this day, I strongly believe that each and every student learns in his or her own way. It is important that educators know how to accommodate each student in order to create a successful learning environment for each individual. Students deserve an environment that is caring, secure, and stimulating, one in which they can develop intellectually, emotionally, and socially. I believe that the teacher should serve as a guide to his or her students rather than the primary source of information. It is my responsibility to give my students the necessary skills to become life long learners. I believe teachers should encourage their students to learn and develop critical thinking skills. These skills allow children to make connections and build upon their prior knowledge in a variety of content areas. In acting as a guide, I believe teachers should allow their students to give feedback on what and how they want to learn. I believe that student-centered curriculum promotes learning that is both purposeful and enduring. I also believe that building relationships with the student and parents is crucial to being a successful educator. In my field of early childhood education, I feel that children learn a great amount of their knowledge from both the classroom and the home. As a teacher, it is important for me to be able to collaborate with parents so I can better understand what their child’s needs may be in regards to learning. |
Over the course of my practicum and internship experiences, I have found that differentiated learning, group interactions, and activity-based modes of instruction are some of the most effective methods when teaching in the primary grades. It is during the primary years that children learn how to function in school both intellectually, and socially. I believe group interactions not only allow students to build necessary relationships with other children but it gives them skills they will use later in life. In elementary education in particular, hands on activity-based instruction, provides children a unique way to use their senses and develop cognitive behavior.
I believe these methods of instruction relate directly to my classroom organization. My classroom will be divided up into areas that students can move about easily and interact with their peers. I believe it is important to make learning engaging for my students, especially at their age, and to accomplish this I will decorate my classroom accordingly. I will use posters, bright colors, interactive materials, and themes to carry out my daily instruction. My student teaching experience has allowed me to expand my philosophy of teaching and learning. I believe in order to be an effective teacher, one must have a strong knowledge in their content area, knowledge in how to plan, create, and assess appropriate instructional lesson plans, and knowledge in how to successfully analyze and reflect on both formative and summative assessments in ways that help their students grow. |