A philosophy of education plays a vital role on how teachers tailor their instructions towards the need of each individual student. The teacher would be able to gain an insight, of each student learning abilities, through observations and other means of assessment such as group work, tests, and quizzes, to name a few. From these experiences, the teacher develops various pedagogical methods that gear towards students’ improvement. As a teacher who values the educational well beings of the younger generation, I believe that all children regardless of gender, color, exceptionalities, as well as other aspects of the human traits, deserve a quality education.
Throughout my teacher educational career, I have grown personally and developed professionally. Personally, I believe every student is capable of learning. Each individual child is born with an intuitive knowledge that needs to be discovered. As Socrates (as cited in Johnson, Musial, Hall, & Gollnick, 2014.) emphasized, “Humans are pregnant with knowledge that had not been born or realized” (p. 84). It is my role as a teacher to employ research-based practices, such as the Socratic method, to help students remember what they have forgotten. In order for this to happen, I will continue to seek professional development opportunities. I believe that these educational opportunities are very crucial for not only to grow professionally, but to benefit the students-I am in possession with—as well.
My vision is that students will obtain necessary skills to be successful in the physical, mental, and social aspects of their lives. Students will be able to effectively use the skills acquired to reach any objectives in a practical manner. Not only will students succeed in learning and know how to balance the interesting opportunities that life will present for them, but will also inspire others, by their examples, to want to learn how to do the same.
My mission is to prepare students to succeed in the world—in a manner that takes into- account the importance of the physical, mental, and social aspects that contribute greatly to the human experience. I expect students to work hard if I do the same. If I am to expect students to develop the skills necessary to thrive in their lives, I must set the example. I pledge to be the best role model that I could possibly be, for the benefit of the lives of the students I am in possession with.
Progressivism, humanism, constructivism, existentialism, and pragmatism are educational philosophies I prefer to be the principles of my education philosophy. All five of these educational approaches, albeit each forms a distinct cohesive whole, are rooted in a student-centered principle—that is, the belief that truth and goodness belong to all persons no matter what their station (Johnson et al., 2014). On this note, I believe that the classroom setting should be constructed focusing on a personal understanding of the students. This means that I incorporate simulations, case studies, problem-based learning events as well as readings, personal investigations and presentations. Rather than telling students things, I prefer to place students in learning situations that allow them to figure out their own meanings.
In addition, I contend that sharing personal understanding with others is the heart of learning (Alrubail, 2015). Nevertheless, before I place students in groups, I need to make certain that learners feel comfortable seeking help from others, and also that learners are taught to patiently listen to one another and provide helpful feedback. Further, an instructional event is incomplete if it ends with a student simply clarifying a personal knowing. To complete a lesson, this knowing needs to be challenged. For example, I do not simply conclude my courses of study with a final paper. Rather, I conclude it with a presentation based on a paper wherein students receive feedback and are challenged to develop new questions about their understanding. This idea will provide students with opportunities to analyze information and to reach their own conclusion as well.
All children are unique and must have a stimulating educational environment where they can grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. It is my desire to create this type of atmosphere where students can meet their full potential. I will provide a safe environment where students are invited to share their ideas and take risks. As a prospective educator, I believe my philosophy of learning and teaching styles may change throughout my teaching career and I want to remain receptive to suggestion and open for improvement.
