Education Philosophy
As educators, we have a responsibility to not only engage and inspire learning from students, but remain a student ourselves and learn new ideas, theories, and practices to incorporate in our teaching.
My major goals in teaching include encouraging students to bring their own experiences and ideas and emphasizing personal improvement and responsibility. A culmination of these is necessary to enhance the classroom and the work that supports it.
A classroom is successful based on the collaboration of both the students and teacher. Educational psychologist Lev Vygotsky suggested that the development of learning is based on both cultural and social interaction. Therefore, the classroom becomes a space in which students not only interact with each other, but with the teacher as well. As an educator, it is my responsibility to foster such interactions and participate as well. Personal experiences, identity, and cultural awareness are essential in creating an atmosphere in which all ideas are considered and valued. I want students to learn from each other and their experiences and hopefully open their minds to ideas that they may not have considered.
An important lesson that I have learned thus far in my career is that teaching is flexible. Depending on the environment, lesson plans, assignments, and class the plans may need to be mended to adjust to particular needs. It is essential for a teacher to recognize that he or she must be willing to adapt to the climate of the learners.
Although I practice many philosophies and techniques in my teaching, these are changing and growing just as I do. I hope to make a positive impact on students and inspire them to always move forward and never sell themselves short. Just as I look forward to watching a student grow and build self-confidence to achieve their goals and dreams, I look forward to my own professional growth and development as an educator.
My major goals in teaching include encouraging students to bring their own experiences and ideas and emphasizing personal improvement and responsibility. A culmination of these is necessary to enhance the classroom and the work that supports it.
A classroom is successful based on the collaboration of both the students and teacher. Educational psychologist Lev Vygotsky suggested that the development of learning is based on both cultural and social interaction. Therefore, the classroom becomes a space in which students not only interact with each other, but with the teacher as well. As an educator, it is my responsibility to foster such interactions and participate as well. Personal experiences, identity, and cultural awareness are essential in creating an atmosphere in which all ideas are considered and valued. I want students to learn from each other and their experiences and hopefully open their minds to ideas that they may not have considered.
An important lesson that I have learned thus far in my career is that teaching is flexible. Depending on the environment, lesson plans, assignments, and class the plans may need to be mended to adjust to particular needs. It is essential for a teacher to recognize that he or she must be willing to adapt to the climate of the learners.
Although I practice many philosophies and techniques in my teaching, these are changing and growing just as I do. I hope to make a positive impact on students and inspire them to always move forward and never sell themselves short. Just as I look forward to watching a student grow and build self-confidence to achieve their goals and dreams, I look forward to my own professional growth and development as an educator.