Philosophy+of+Education

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Excerpts from My Philosophy of Education

If I were asked to describe my educational philosophy in one word I would say respect. From my experiences children of all ages and backgrounds want to be respected for their ideas, opinions and quite simply, themselves. It is in everyone's best interest for a teacher to create an environment where students learn to respect and value each other. I model respective behavior to my students through the simple process of treating them with respect. Respect can be shown by seeking their input in important classroom decisions, such as establishing class rules and procedures; or asking their personal views and opinions about subject matter. It is my goal to provide an environment where students can feel safe to learn and explore because they feel themselves to be valued and considered in the instructional process. The following quote on education from Albert Einstein comes to mind when I think of providing students some choice and freedom in their education.

//“ It is, in fact, nothing short of a miracle that the modern methods of instruction have not yet entirely strangled the holy curiosity of inquiry; for this delicate little planet, aside from stimulation, stands mainly in need of freedom; without this it goes to wreck and ruin without fail. It is a grave mistake to think that the enjoyment of seeing and searching can be prompted by means of coercion and a sense of duty. On the contrary, I believe that it would be possible to rob even a healthy beast of prey of its voraciousness, if it were possible, with the aid of a whip, to force the beast to devour continuously, even when not hungry, especially if the food handed out under such coercion were to be selected accordingly.” //

I let all my students know that when they walk into my classroom they are all equal to each other. While some may have more ability, everyone is capable of effort and with the combination of ability and effort they can do anything. I make them aware of my high expectations along with my confidence in their abilities to achieve. I think this is especially important with the exceptional students. Students learn differently and need the opportunities to express their learning in multifaceted ways.

Education is something that every person should be given the chance to attain. Creating a rich and unique learning experience where students thrive requires diverse approaches in both teaching and assessment. I believe more is to be learned if people are guided to and through knowledge, rather than having information forced upon them. Therefore I place much focus on inquiry based learning, thus allowing the students to "experience" and process the knowledge first hand.

I aspire to have a positive influence in my students' lives outside the classroom and beyond their school years. As a trusted role model I hope to inspire motivation and appropriate social behavior, guiding them to become competent, compassionate individuals.

While I may not spark an interest of science in all students, I will consider myself successful if I spark in them an interest in learning. The love of learning provides a sound foundation for a child's life. Those who have a love to learn tend to be well educated. Well educated people can make decisions that benefit both their own interests and the interests of society as a whole.