Personal Philosophy of Education

*PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION

“To instruct someone… is not a matter of getting him to commit results to mind. Rather, it is to teach him to participate in the process that makes possible the establishment of knowledge. We teach a subject not to produce little living libraries on that subject, but rather to get a student to think mathematically for himself, to consider matters as an historian does, to take part in the process of knowledge-getting. Knowing is a process not a product.” (Jerome Bruner) To truly teach someone, you must poke and prod with steadfast determination until you find a way for him or her to completely understand. That’s why I believe that teaching is a great challenge, and even though some types of learning are best conveyed in a traditional fashion, for most other types of learning, a non-traditional form of is more enjoyable. As a future educator, I will have a whole classroom full of individuals with different learning styles, different strengths, weaknesses, attitudes, lifestyles, and different motivations, and because of this, I will have to make sure that my students feel connected to what they are learning. One way, is to incorporate a lot of creativity with traditional and non-traditional learning stylesin the classroom, which then causes learning to be fun and hands on. Students will become interested and eager to learn, and feel more productive. They will become thinkers and problem solvers. If students are taught in a way they will remember, then in the future they will be able to put this knowledge to use in different situations. I believe it is a teacher’s responsibility to prepare students for the inevitable changes that will occur in their lives by instilling confidence and knowledge while presenting a good role model. Teachers play such an important role in a child’s life, sometimes being their only source of encouragement and support, therefore, teachers should want to know their students and academic level, so they can meet their students’ needs and create the best learning environment possible, bringing into the classroom open-mindedness, a respect for others, a willingness to listen before making decisions, and a love for knowledge. A teacher should also have positive expectations. This means believing in each student and believing that the student can learn and be successful. Students only learn as much as teachers expect, and teachers who set high expectations for their students receive higher achievement from their students. It’s amazing to see what students can accomplish when they know and sense that someone cares, believes in them, and is willing to sacrifice time to ensure their students achievements are not just at the present time, but for a lifetime. It is my aspiration as an educator to help students meet their fullest potential by creating an environment where my students feel safe, are comfortable taking risks with new learning, and presents them with opportunities to share their thoughts and ideas with one another. MY VIEW OF THE GOALS OF CURRICULUM A curriculum that incorporates themes, hands-on learning, projects, group work, individual work, along with the general education courses required for continued education, should be incorporated to interest the students and make them active students. MY VIEW OF THE GOALS FOR HUMANS I view the goal for human beings, as a way to gain knowledge or skills; becoming a more enlightened, more tolerant, more intelligent, and more thoughtful and compassionate people. I believe we have the capacity to become “better human beings”, by the sharing of our experiences, goals, and wisdom with each other and helping one another reach this goal, which will leave the world a better place. MY VIEW OF THE GOALS OF EDUCATION Education should provide personal, intellectual, and social growth through the various ideas of thinking. Not only, should education be a way to help students reach their full potential, but a means of inspiring those who are getting the education, and those giving the education to realize their deep connection and responsibility not only to themselves, but to those who share the world with them. MY VIEW OF THE GOALS OF TEACHING METHODS MY VIEW OF HUMAN NATURE I view human nature as, by nature; pure, good, and undefiled, but when society corrupts human nature; life's hardships and limitations may make human nature seem evil, unkind, an inhumane .