There are
several philosophies of education, and almost all of them have influenced me
and how I intend to teach in my future classroom. I believe in a student centered
classroom. The teaching philosophy of progressivism is the base of my own
personal philosophy. It is centered on education being what life
is about, not just something that prepares you for it. The students’ personal
life experiences have a place in their education. I personally never want to stop learning, and
doubt I ever will. Progressivism allows students to learn through their life
experiences and integrate real world problems into their education, which makes
for both a more interesting learning experience and a long lasting effect of
that education. Essentialism is another philosophy that has a place in my
classroom. The main part of that that impacts me as a future educator is the
fact that there is a core curriculum, and that curriculum adapts to societal
changes. Society is ever changing, and I believe that although there are things
that must always be taught, such as mathematics, language arts, history, and
sciences, that they must adapt with the times. For example, technology is
becoming a huge part of the world as we know it, and continues to be the
driving factor in reform in schools. One of the core components of the College
Of Education’s proficiencies is regarding technology and integrating it into
the classroom and teaching methods. If curriculum did not adapt
along with that change, the schools would not be reaching their full potential
in teaching their students. Reconstructionism also has a place in my classroom.
It promotes student involvement, and ideas such as a democratic classroom. I do
not want to be the teacher that makes rules, then expects students to follow
them. We have learned that the best way to establish expectations for one’s
classroom is with the input of students. I want students to have choices in my
classroom, along with the ability to understand the consequences of those
choices. The final philosophy that impacts me and my teaching is
existentialism. It explains that you teach “the whole person” and not just the
subjects. Part of what teachers teach is informal curriculum, or the life
lessons and knowledge outside of the classroom. It is not in the
standards we are held to, it is just something that occurs as we interact with
our students. As teachers, we are helping to shape the person that our students
will be, and influence what their values are.
Together, all of these philosophies means that I hope to
have an “unconventional” classroom. I do not want to stand at the front of a
room lecturing. I want to have my students be involved with what they are
learning. I will be teaching the core curriculum that is required of me by the
state of Ohio, but I also want the students to bring their experiences and
knowledge into the classroom to enrich the learning of all. I want to teach
them things they will remember for the rest of their lives. I want to have a
democratic classroom. I do not want to be an authoritarian. I want to guide the
students in their learning. My intention is that with all of these philosophies
being meshed together, I will have a classroom that can fit any type of learner.
Keeping these philosophies and hopes I have for my future
classroom in mind, I intend to have an open form of communication with all. I
will have an open line of communication with parents so I can take their ideas
into consideration, and I plan to do the same with my peers. Teaching is not a
job for one, it is a job for many. By working together and collaborating with
students, parents, and colleagues, I believe I will be on the route to success
with teaching.
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