Education is a continuous and ever-changing process. A teacher’s personal philosophy of education is a critical element to making sure children are receiving the best education they deserve. There are five major educational philosophies recognized in education. These include essentialism, perennialism, behaviorism, progressivism, and existentialism. While each of these has been popular at one time and is unique in their own way, it takes a combination of them to run a successful school environment. My idea of the perfect classroom, student, and teacher would be one that possesses a little of each of the philosophies.
When considering my beliefs and values of education, I found that I am most closely related to one main philosophy. This is progressivism. Progressivism is defined as an educational philosophy focused on providing students with the skills and knowledge necessary not only to survive but to also succeed in a contemporary and competitive society. Progressivism is installing and using problem solving skills and strategies, within the walls of the classroom and out, in an ever changing society. Teachers teach real-life curriculum to the students and allow for experiential learning. Everything in the classroom is focused on the child.
Role of Education
Education has played a major role in America’s success throughout history and my goal is to continue this level of achievement for generations to come. To give students the quality education that they deserve, I believe it is important to have schools that cater to the needs of students. Providing students with a strong education that not only provides the essential information necessary to be a model citizen in society but the tools to succeed in their dreams are important characteristics of the school I will teach. Education is extremely important for all individual’s success in life. It prepares pupils physically, mentally, and socially for career opportunities in the future. In schools, every person is responsible for valuing education. The teachers even receive an opportunity to learn from and with their students. Education is designed to provide ample opportunities to expose them to a variety of trades. Schools are established to provide a safe, nurturing environment that promotes learning academically and socially to all individuals.
Role of the Classroom
If you were to walk into my classroom, you would see a community working together to achieve a common goal. It requires a team effort to maintain its effectiveness and positive atmosphere. I believe in running a classroom based off of trust and respect. The students’ desks are arranged in groups that promotes cooperative learning. There are stations set up around the classroom that allow the students to experiment and plenty of “hands-on” opportunities. Positive reinforcement is the key to my classroom. Research shows that individuals need to be acknowledged for the good things they do. If they are praised for the good things, they will seek that behavior out even more.
Role of the Student
The role of the student in my classroom is to be a leader. They will possess qualities that allow them to share ideas, cooperate with others, and lead their peers. The students will feel comfortable and safe discussing with their classmates different topics. Students’ roles are to find their place in society and formulate their own ideas and opinions. The students will be active participants in the classroom. They will look forward to attending school everyday and they will be eager to learn new and challenging things.
Role of the Teacher
I believe that educators play a major influential role in the lives of the students they teach. In order to make that role as beneficial as possible, it is important for teachers to have a variety of skills. Classroom management is the most important trait that any educator can have. If a teacher cannot handle the aspects of managing lesson plans, keeping order in the classroom, and maintaining a favorable environment for learning, all other skills they possess are virtually useless. Once a teacher has created an environment conducive to their curriculum, they can integrate other aspects of learning into their lesson plans. This kind of learning teaches real life principles such as responsibility and cultural diversity in addition to other beneficial skills like leadership. I believe students who are able to achieve success in the core curriculum while learning about other important life skills contribute to the strongest society. Promoting lesson plans that provide for student cognitive development and social skills is one of the frameworks of my philosophy. I will give students successful learning experiences that will build their confidence levels and increase their chances of retaining the material they have learned. I believe in relating everything done in my classroom to experiences my students have had or could have in the world, outside of the school walls. I have found that relating what we do in our classroom to things that they have experienced helps my students to be more engaged and active in their learning. I provide a variety of old and new teaching strategies. While rote memorization and direct instruction have a very important place in the learning process, I strongly believe in providing rich, engaging, and hands-on learning experiences for my students; by keeping them actively engaged in the learning process I feel they will be more interested in the material.
I will guide students to make good decisions without making them for them. I believe that providing students the opportunity to problem-solve they will develop their own meaning of the material. Most importantly, I firmly believe in matching my instruction to the needs of the students in my classroom. It is also important to recognize that a balance between challenge and support is a key component in helping all students succeed. All students learn differently, which means it is my responsibility to vary my instruction for my diversified student community.
Creating classroom policies that are conducive to child development contributes greatly to the academic future of every student. I will guide students to make good decisions without making them for them. I believe that providing students the opportunity to problem-solve they will develop their own meaning of the material. Most importantly, I firmly believe in matching my instruction to the needs of the students in my classroom. It is also important to recognize that a balance between challenge and support is a key component in helping all students succeed. All students learn differently, which means it is my responsibility to vary my instruction for my diversified student community.
Conclusion
Overall, my mission as an educator is to create life-long learners. Children need to learn how to be pro-active about their learning and have opportunities to problem-solve. While I know this is no easy task, I am ready to take on the challenge to make a difference in each child’s life that I encounter!
"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes.You can steer yourself any direction you choose.You're on your own, and you know what you know.And you are the one who'll decide where you'll go.Oh the places you'll go."-Dr Seuss