Running Head: PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT OF EDUCATION

Philosophy Statement
By Anny Firth
EDUC 201
Foundations of Education
Instructor: Egbert










Running Head: PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT OF EDUCATION

Philosophy Statement
Each child is a unique individual, with unique goals and ambitions, having the urge to
succeed, however what drives that urge varies from child to child. Just as students have the
unlimited potential for growth, educators possess that same potential. Working together in a
humanistic approach allows teachers to aid in the growth of students, while growing personally
in their efforts to better their community through education.
My philosophy on education includes aspects from three separate philosophies;
humanism, behaviorism and essentialism. Educators should strive to teach the whole child
(essentialism). Focus should be given not only to a childs academic growth, but educators
should strive to encourage self-discovery and development, while teaching respect of self and
others in their environment. By teaching a well-rounded curriculum, as well as life skills,
students will form self-discipline, aiding in their drive to succeed at the goals places before them.
Students will naturally retain information that peaks their interest; the teachers role is to
form the curriculum addressing those interests. By delivering curriculum in a disciplined, yet
practical way, this will allow students to see how they will use such information in their daily
lives. It is also the teachers responsibility to help students form positive habits of behavior, to
respect themselves and others through positive reinforcement. By providing the discipline of
essentialism and the reinforcement of behaviorism, teachers will be able to provide a well-
rounded education to students.
The students role in a classroom is to engage and be motivated. Students have a natural
want-to-learn attitude; through a partnership with the teacher, students will learn skills to
Running Head: PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT OF EDUCATION

motivate them self and those around them. Students need to make positive choices towards their
learning and be an active participant.
By applying skills from humanistic, behaviorism, and essentialism, educators and
students will form a belief and obtain needed skills to reach their goals. Students will obtain
creative thinking skills, and become problem solvers. They will engage in difficult curriculum
with an I can attitude, which is setting them up to succeed in life.