Philosophy of Education

Students today are under a great multitude of influences, from peer pressure to the desire to live up to the standards of parents. Therefore, as teachers I believe we are to strive to be positive influences in the lives of our students. Children spend the majority of their young lives in the classroom day in and day out. There are many students that go home to empty houses or simply do not have the positive role models they so desperately need at home. So whose job is it then to build up character in the children of today? The teachers! This is why we should organize our teaching strategies in a way that not only provides knowledge to students, but in a way that teaches them hard work, perseverance, compassion, and so many other life-shaping qualities they may not be receiving from anywhere else.

Most of the time when the word learning is used, it is referring to the inside of a classroom blackboard and textbook style of learning facts and information. As important as the gathering of information is, the majority of the time it stops there, in the classroom. I believe that we, as teachers, should reach beyond the blackboard. Students listen, not just hear but listen, so much better when there has been a personal connection has been made with the teacher they are learning from. At the end of the day students are most likely not going to remember every fact they were taught, but they will remember the relationships they formed and the life lessons they learned from their experiences. Therefore it should not be a goal to simply teach facts and be done with it, but to expand beyond that and allow the students to experience their education.

As mentioned before, teaching is not merely the dispensing of facts, but the hidden curriculum student learn throughout the day. It should not be a goal in anyone's heart to bounce information off students, but to have them gain knowledge each day they come to school. Therefore, when we teach it should be to all student of every type and learning style. Children pick of information differently, and if their learning needs are not being met, they are not likely to learn important material. Also, character and other qualities that are needed for the “real world”should be taught through the experiences of the students and through the examples of the professor. Children try to model themselves after people they look up to and respect. If we are to strive to gain the respect of our students, we should also make it our goal to be positive role models for them, and to encourage good behaviors and decisions. We should teach not only textbook knowledge, but the qualities that make a person truly successful in their business world..

In the classroom, the teacher should hold the position of authority. Students should not have the mindset that the teacher is there to be their friend because they are not. If children think that you are their friend, they will not understand discipline and will take it personally. They will also think it is alright to try to manipulate their grades and such through chatting with the teacher, because buddies help each other out when their in trouble. The teacher should hold a position of respect, not allowing themselves to be walked over by the students. When the children respect someone, they do not challenge their authority. Having the respect of students will keep order in the classroom and allow the teacher to focus more on the education of their students, and less on their discipline. However, respect is not gained by seizing it through harsh discipline, but by letting the students know you genuinely care about them and are there for their benefit.

The classroom environment should inspire and permit freedom of expression. Students should be able to talk (constructive talking, not socializing) and ask questions openly without fear of judgment or criticism. Talking about what is being learned makes it easier for the students to grasp and apply. It helps the students to see past the facts of the subject and focus on its use. I believe that students in the classroom should be placed so that they are sitting in groups, not just columns and rows. This permits flow of creative discussion and allows for a better learning experience.

Students should be tested over the information they learn because going over material several times helps it to sink into the brain. Tests should suit the several learning styles of students so that it gives them all an opportunity to succeed. However, students should not be tested over facts alone, but their ability to apply the knowledge gained as well.

Teaching is more than the lecturing of facts and historical events. It is more than quizzes and tardies. It is even more than good grades and graduating. It is the gaining of knowledge that will make a student not only intelligent, but successful as well. This type of education only be done by reaching beyond the blackboard, forming relationships with students, and teaching to a variety of learning style and through example.



Technology in the Classroom

As time progresses, technology evolves. New inventions change the way we live our daily lives. It is only natural that these new technologies penetrate into the classroom. Advances in technology can create a great variety of teaching techniques. Inventions such as the smart board or grading programs can be convenient for teachers and help productivity. There is no doubt computers in the classroom have changed the way students are taught.  Times are changing, and in order to survive in a changing world our students must adapt.  Technology is so important for the futures of our children.  This is why I will do my best to integrate technology into my classroom.  I want my students to be prepared for whatever the future may have in store for them.