Although I am still learning and forming opinions, I
have already come to many conclusions about what I think education should
strive to do and accomplish. Over the next few years, I may change or add to
these beliefs, but currently, I have a decent idea of what I think my goal as a
teacher should be. I draw from several different philosophies, such as pragmatism
and post-modernism, but I do not believe just one or even two of these
philosophies correctly define my beliefs.
I
believe the purpose of education is to not only facilitate learning but also
apply that learning to future endeavors after school and job opportunities. We
must, as a society, realize that the formative years are when a student decides
what path they will take in life, and it is up to educators, with the help of
parents, to help a student reach that decision. That said, I do not believe a
student should be pushed into or discouraged from pursuing whatever field of
study they wish. If a student wishes to be a biologist, they should be given
opportunities to explore that field before making a final decision. The same
goes for art. If a student wishes to be an artist, they should be encouraged to
do so, but should also be given a chance to experience what that decision will
ultimately mean. This can be done through job shadowing, research papers about
their interest, career fairs, vocational schools, extracurricular activities,
clubs, and much more. I believe it is part of the job of an educator to prepare
a student for life in the “real world.”
I
believe the role of a teacher is to be a group leader. An ideal classroom for
me, is one in which the share of ideas, opinions, and information is
encouraged. It is one in which students work together toward the common goal of
learning. I believe a good teacher is one who uses lessons and activities that
reach every different type of learning style and is able to meet the needs of
any students who learn differently than others. The lessons should not only be
informative, but fun and interactive. In my opinion, students who are
encouraged to learn in their own way and who are given a certain amount of
control over their education, develop a stronger desire for learning. For
example, if a class is given a list of short stories and is asked to pick three
from the list to read and analyze in class, those students will be more
responsive and interactive with the lesson because they chose it themselves.
The same can be said for activities. If a teacher gives a student several
options in a classroom, and allows the student to choose, that student will, in
my experience, respond much more positively.
Assessment should be varied and constant. I believe everything a student does inside a classroom should be assessed in some way, both formatively and summatively. I believe assessment is another area in which students can be given control over their education. For instance, if a class of twenty students breaks into groups of four and is given the task of analyzing a poem, each group would undoubtedly come up with something different. The class would then get together and exchange ideas. These different responses and answers should (reasonably) be on a test. If a student knows that his or her contribution could make its way onto an exam or quiz, he or she will be much more likely to participate in group discussion.
Assessment should be varied and constant. I believe everything a student does inside a classroom should be assessed in some way, both formatively and summatively. I believe assessment is another area in which students can be given control over their education. For instance, if a class of twenty students breaks into groups of four and is given the task of analyzing a poem, each group would undoubtedly come up with something different. The class would then get together and exchange ideas. These different responses and answers should (reasonably) be on a test. If a student knows that his or her contribution could make its way onto an exam or quiz, he or she will be much more likely to participate in group discussion.
All
students are different, and all students should be treated fairly. That is,
each student should be given what he or she needs. If a student needs extra
help, that student should receive it. I also believe in a school which promotes
the beauty of diversity in all its forms, and combats bullying within its
walls. Curriculums should focus equally on contributions of various different
ethnic groups, religions, and lifestyles. This is a step toward not only ending
bullying, but also toward ending prejudice.
My
philosophy is still changing, and will likely continue to change as my experiences
change. What I believe, however, is based on my personal moral code and my
current experiences in a classroom, especially from the point of view of a
student. I hope to be able to live up to my own goals and create a classroom
that is focused on the student.
