Teaching Philosophy: A Look Into What I Believe
The intent of education is the,"Knowledge of both self and others, clarification of the known, and illumination of the unknown."
-Emily Style*
When building a classroom community, I believe in...
- Celebrating students' diverse backgrounds and interests
- Creating a safe and respectful environment for every student
- Fostering equality
- Creating an organized, accessible and fun space
On becoming a member of a profession, I believe in...
- Focusing on foundational and authentic skills and tasks
- Pursuing and encouraging lifelong learning for both students and myself
- Integrating value, utility and real-life applications to tasks
- Setting high and clear expectations for each student
On knowing, motivating, and engaging students, I believe in...
- Knowing that all students can learn
- Getting to know and connect with each student as an individual
- Continually trying to find the best way to teach each student
- Ensuring students engage in active and hands-on learning
- Fostering students' natural curiosity and engaging their questions about the world around them
On knowing and representing subject matters, I believe in...
- Focusing on the basics and ensuring that each student has formed a solid foundation
- Making sure to integrate and meet all goals and standards
- Using hands-on and project-based learning to make abstract concepts more concrete
- Adapting curriculum and using it as a guide and resource
On planning, assessing and evaluating, I believe in...
- Finding the optimal level of challenge for students
- Using multiple types of assessment
- Omitting competition between students in the classroom
- Ongoing monitoring, and continuously updating student goals
- Being organized and planning ahead
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* Style, E. (1996). Curriculum As Window and Mirror. Social Science Record, Fall, 1-5.