Stevee P.

Scott

4-24-2013

Philosophy of Education

Teaching is more than playing with kids at recess, singing nursery rhymes at story time, or even handing out smiley faces for good behavior. It is a calling that requires a mixture of art and science. The art of teaching allows one to use imagination and creativity in order to enhance students learning. The science of teaching concentrates on fundamental teaching methods and the knowledge needed in order to teach. As a future educator, I am ready for the task at hand; enlightening our future leaders of this world through education. My philosophy focuses on catering to students diverse learning styles, having a global perspective on education, and being a reflective educator who is flexible and effective. Because students differ in learning styles, it is essential for me to use diverse teaching methods to accommodate each learner. I must be aware of the major ways in which students differ from one another in order to form effective lessons. Some students enjoy learning in groups while others prefer one on one assistance. One student may learn best using manipulatives while another student may learn best in a quiet and calm environment. What works for one group of students may not work well for another group. My lessons and activities must engage linguistic, bodily kinesthetic, visual, and even musical learners. I believe that Vygotskys theory on scaffolding and ZPD (zone of proximal development) will help students reach the next level. The zone of proximal development is the difference between what a child can do on his or her own and what can be accomplished with some assistance. Scaffolding techniques support student learning. I can help my students reach their fullest cognitive potential by preparing a welldesigned instruction which will keep students engaged and informed. The lesson will help students master things they cannot learn on their own. At the end of the day, my goal is to help each child comprehend and know the purpose of what they learned. With a global perspective on education, I plan to create an enlightening classroom environment that will be student-centered. The classroom should be more than just an average learning center for students. My classroom will be an energetic and illuminating adventure place where students celebrate diversity, develop friendships, and challenge their minds to higher heights. Students come from diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, and cultures. I plan to prepare a welcoming environment for students from all walks of life. I must be knowledgeable about diverse cultures and religions as well as provide access for students to learn about diverse cultures and ethnicities. I believe that it is essential for me to celebrate diversity in the classroom through classroom decorations, lesson plans, and activities which will bring students together. As a future educator, I must acknowledge, accept, and value students multicultural backgrounds. Educators should treat all students with equality and express compassion for everyone. I plan to reflect on my lessons and teaching methods because it will provide me the opportunity to review how I teach and what I teach. It allows me to think about ways to improve or reteach lessons in order for students to grasp concepts and enhance their learning. Reflecting is a process of self-observation and self-evaluation. It is also a key tool in being an effective educator. I plan to receive feedback from fellow colleagues and students. Peer observations can provide me with a different viewpoint that can be beneficial to the improvement of student learning. I will keep a personal teacher journal that consists of my reflections after each lesson. Recording lessons can provide me with visual and audial feedback on different elements of the lesson. For instance, the amount of time I spend on a section in the lesson, how I respond to students, the allocated time I allow students to respond to questions, etc. Student feedback will provide a different and valuable perspective. An educator is always learning, growing, and improving.