Running head: My philosophy

My Educational Philosophy
Audrey L. Ables
The University of Alabama Huntsville

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My Educational Philosophy

Everyone has different viewpoints on how the world should work. Since I am pursuing a
degree in Secondary Education with a concentration in History. I have my own view point on:
the purpose of education, what a teacher should be, strategies used to teach a class, as well as
what should be taught in the class. Teacher are always students, so do I think my philosophy will
evolve as I learn? Of course I believe my philosophy will grow as I do. However, today this is
my understanding of how the school system should work.
The purpose of an education.
An education is more than just passing tests and walking across the stage with a diploma.
Do not get me wrong an education can not work without a curriculum. However, an education
should teach you more than just the content of a subject. An education should teach you how to
accept that other people are different from you. We are all human, but all of us come from
different backgrounds so we see things differently which is a good thing. If everyone thought the
same way the world would be a boring place. An education should also prepare you for the real
world outside of the school system. By the time you graduate you should either be prepared for
the workforce or ready to continue with your education. Another goal of education is to promote
critical thinking skills. As the great philosopher Aristotle once said, The mark of an educated
mind is to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.
The role of a teacher in learning.
A teacher is a role model, an artist, a mentor, an entertainer, and a vessel of knowledge all
thrown into one. As a teacher it is extremely important that I model how my students should act.
There is a reason why the code of ethics exists, because my students look to me for how to
handle different situations that occur in their lives. It is essential of an expert teacher to act as a

My philosophy

mentor whenever a student needs it. If a student ever needs help with anything I will always
provide the best advice I can give. Teachers are also entertainers, they have to grab the attention
of their students and hold it for long periods of time. Expert teachers are also artists in the way
they create lessons to fit the students. Teachers should also be vessels of knowledge, meaning
they should know about more than just their content area. Teachers should be able to answer any
questions the students have and if they cannot do so, they should at least lead the student to
where to find the answers.
The strategies I plan to use. First of all, before I plan how I want to teach my class I
need to get an understanding of my students. For example, I need to know how old are my
students, and where are they according to Piagets Theory of Cognitive Development. As a
secondary major I could have middle school students who are at the concert operational stage, or
I could have high school students who are in the formal operational stage. Also is it an advanced
level course, because if so I need to use a higher level of Blooms Taxonomy. If I have any
students who are English language learners I can print out my notes and let them have a copy, or
play a video with the subtitles on to accommodate them. Since I will be teaching a History
course I think that dialectic discourse method being very useful. I also like the idea of mixed
ability grouping. If I ever let my students chose their groups it will not be very often. I want
everyone to get a chance to know and work with one another.
What I believe should be taught in schools. I believe in, schools you should learn more
than just what the common core state standards say you should know. Students should learn how
to treat other students. Students also need to learn a sense of responsibility for themselves.
Students should learn how to be respectful of others beliefs even if they disagree. Students

My philosophy

should be taught how to think critically so they can form their own opinions. I want my students
to question everything, because it is only through questions will they find their answers to life.
My Educational Philosophy. Now, that you know my viewpoints about: the purpose of
education, what a teacher should be, strategies used to teach a class, as well as what should be
taught in the class you can understand me a little better. Education is so much more than
memorization and tests, it is about preparing students to deal with life. A teacher is not just a
person who explains content, but is a mentor who helps students grow. I want my students to be
able to work with one another and be respectful. (Famous Quotes, 2015)Mostly importantly, I
want my student to ask why and form their own opinions so they can contribute to society. I am
going to leave you with a quote that describes how I feel about teaching. The psychiatrist Carl
Jung once stated, One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude
to those who touched our human feelings. The curriculum is so much necessary raw material, but
warmth is vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child.

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References

Famous Quotes. (2015, September 25). Retrieved from Brainy Quotes:

http://www.brainyquote.com