As educators, we are always learning new ways to improve student learning. In doing this we must reevaluate our philosophical views and beliefs. With new techniques in education, new technological advances, and new studies on student achievement educational philosophies are ever evolving. Personally, I have re-written my beliefs several times over the years I have attended school. Even though the underlying beliefs are still the same, the ways by which I go about reaching these beliefs has shifted. I feel as if we all need to keep looking at what we believe and how it will effect our students lives. Below you will find the most recent version of my educational philosophy. I am sure it will not be my last.
Educational Philosophy
Teaching is one of the most challenging professions. Teachers must be intuitive to their students needs, be observant of different learning styles, and be promoters for student success. As teachers, our educational philosophies should constantly be evolving. We must learn to reflect on what we have done, the successes and failures, and adapt to our current population of students. We must understand that one group of students will learn and respond in a different manner than another group. We are professionals that influence lives every day and in doing so we should strive to reach every student.
Just as there are many different philosophical approaches to teaching there are many different ways in which students learn. A teacher’s role is one of a facilitator to the success of all students. The classroom should reflect the various ways of thinking and learning and address the multicultural nature of our world today. Teachers should also incorporate a variety of techniques within the classroom. We must encourage student involvement and promote the incorporation of their life experiences at home, in the community, and at school. Teachers should look to those around them for new ideas and adapt to the ever changing technological world. Teachers must adapt their approach to teaching and provide a more enriching environment. This approach is not limited to teachers, but should be held and incorporated by all who lead others: parents, coaches, employers, etc. In this world of technology, teachers need to incorporate a more visual, auditory, and kinesthetic environment for their students to compete with the technology bombarding their students’ daily lives.
Student interest is another vital element in success. Drawing upon the students experiences, while incorporating topics of interest, can bring a classroom alive and enrich the learning environment. When a teacher incorporates a student’s personal interest into an activity, it excites the student and brings real life applications to the forefront. For instance, a mock online shopping trip for items of the student’s choice can teach the students about mathematical operations. You can also have the students choose an ideal career, earn a salary and pay for monthly expenses. This brings a better understanding to the world around them while incorporating the technology available to our students. It also serves to show how important an education is in regards to earning a better salary. Students will want to learn and thrive in their learning if we address them where their interests lie.
Teachers must be a leaders and role models within their community. Teachers should always strive to better themselves, just as they want their students to work harder, learn more, and reach for new levels of understanding. As teachers, we should look to learn new things just as we hope our students do. In today's educational environment, this includes staying current on the resources available to you and your students via the Internet. Using online tools to enrich an activity will not only keep your students more engaged, but it will show them you are seeking other avenues of teaching and staying current with trends and applications available. Teachers must be flexible when it comes to handling their students’ needs and their classroom. As we grow as human beings, as well as teachers, we must be willing to adapt our approach to teaching. In bettering our education and knowledge, we show our students the importance of constant growth as individuals and how ongoing self-improvement, through education and reflection, helps us become more productive and well-rounded individuals within our community.
Wanting to impact children’s lives is why we, as teachers, joined this profession. Every student is capable of learning, if we are willing to reach out to them where they are and do so in a mode of deliverance that grabs their attention, such as the use of technology. Teachers must always realize the diverseness of their student body. They must understand that each and every student brings with them a unique set of experiences that influence their behavior and their approach to the educational process. We, as teachers, must recognize these differences and embrace all that our students can offer to enrich the classroom environment.
