Philosophy of Education

I think that weather or not the teacher is good and has a great understanding of children plays a role in how much the child enjoys the learning process. Also, I feel it important that the parents or guardian be involved in the child’s learning. If a parent doesn’t take education seriously or try to show the child that it can be fun then the child’s attitude towards education will be the same. I don't think I can identify with a single philosophy. I would rather use a mixture of all the philosophies taking from them what I find to be useful in today's classrooms. It's hard to say what you will use exactly until you get into the classroom and start teaching.

I find it important for children to learn with hands on exercises. They can get so much more out of a lesson if they are able to try something for themselves rather than just listening to someone talk about it. I think things such as creating art projects to explore shapes is a great idea. The children get to have fun and be creative but at the same time they are learning something. It is imperative that as a teacher I am able to prepare the children not only for what they will learn in school but also what they will have to face once they are out of school and preparing to move on with life. The needed to know basic information such as how to read, write and do basic math as well as the ability to work a computer with ease are all important things that need to be taught. One thing that I feel should be taught in a high school setting is how to apply and interview for a job. We are able to teach people the skills they need to have for a job but we rarely show them what they need to do in order to receive the job.

Teaching students that stereotypes are inaccurate is important. Children need to go out into the world realizing that just because someone is tall doesn’t make them good at basketball or because they are a certain race they’re good at something. In school, especially elementary children need to become aware of individuality and learn that while they can embrace their cultures or societies they are also their own person. This will encourage them to explore possibilities they find interesting even when those around them don’t. As a teacher however it is good to be aware of the students cultures and backgrounds so that, if necessary you can help them to have a better school experience. For example if you have a young woman who because of her religion isn’t allowed to be around boys or to do certain class activities it is important for you as the teacher to know this and at times for the other students as well so that the individual student doesn’t get treated to differently or made fun of.

A personal philosophy is necessary for a teacher to have. It will play a major role in their life both personally and professionally. A philosophy gives personal guidelines of how to handle situations and in some cases how to teach material. Many things can affect a philosophy however, life experiences, the type of school you are teaching in weather it is urban, suburban or rural and even what country you are from or that you are teaching in.