Personal Philosophy on Teaching
The two major goals of education are academic (reading, writing and arithmetic) and social (character, cooperation and courage). Education is as multifaceted as its students. As a teacher it is fundamentally important that I attend to the academic, social and emotional needs of my students. As a teacher I am daily forced to make decisions that must judge between right and wrong as I guide my students. My philosophy of teaching is based on my worldview. My beliefs influence my perspectives which influence the student’s perspectives. The context of beliefs that I create can be temporal or timeless. Students learn more based on what they see rather than what I tell them thus I must teach by example.
It is important that I teach students that they have a purpose in life. It is important that I teach students the importance of moral truth. Learning must not only influence the mind of a student but must be demonstrated in her actions. It should be seen it the way that she treats her peers, parents as well as those in authority. It is important that I assist in the development of a holistic student who will contribute positively to society.
As a teacher I must be mentor, coach, and facilitator. I must ensure that my lessons are prepared to meet the different intelligences of the students in my classroom. The strategies that I use whether inductive or deductive must ensure that learning is taking place and I must also remember that I am a learner in the classroom as well. The assignments that are given must help in shaping the student to be a critical thinker in life.
It is important that as a teacher I am humble, sensitive and fair to my students especially when it comes to assessing student’s performance. Since it is the analysis of the statistics from examinations that will be part of the evaluation process that will be used in the redefining of goals and objectives when planning and implementing future lessons.
A lighthouse acts as a guide to those out at sea who may have lost their way or who is having difficulty in navigating their way. It is a symbol of hope. Similarly a teacher should be a guide to her students who are navigating their way through life. A teacher should always provide hope for her students.
The table below compares a lighthouse to a teacher.
It is important that I teach students that they have a purpose in life. It is important that I teach students the importance of moral truth. Learning must not only influence the mind of a student but must be demonstrated in her actions. It should be seen it the way that she treats her peers, parents as well as those in authority. It is important that I assist in the development of a holistic student who will contribute positively to society.
As a teacher I must be mentor, coach, and facilitator. I must ensure that my lessons are prepared to meet the different intelligences of the students in my classroom. The strategies that I use whether inductive or deductive must ensure that learning is taking place and I must also remember that I am a learner in the classroom as well. The assignments that are given must help in shaping the student to be a critical thinker in life.
It is important that as a teacher I am humble, sensitive and fair to my students especially when it comes to assessing student’s performance. Since it is the analysis of the statistics from examinations that will be part of the evaluation process that will be used in the redefining of goals and objectives when planning and implementing future lessons.
A lighthouse acts as a guide to those out at sea who may have lost their way or who is having difficulty in navigating their way. It is a symbol of hope. Similarly a teacher should be a guide to her students who are navigating their way through life. A teacher should always provide hope for her students.
The table below compares a lighthouse to a teacher.
LighthouseA lighthouse is a tower designed to emit light
A fixed location Elevated structure Easily identifiable The light acts as a guide Lighthouses mark dangerous coastlines, hazardous shoals, reefs, safe entries to harbors Lighthouses can also assist in aerial navigation (they do not direct ships only) |
TeacherA person expected to enlighten students
A consistent person Exemplary, should stand out as an individual Approachable person Facilitates learning Teachers should help students set boundaries for their lives so that they do not make detrimental decisions Teachers should be dynamic and not focus on any one type of learner |
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