Philosophy of Education

Philosophy of Education

 http://zelalemkibret.wordpress.com/2012/02/13/on-philosophy 

Every educator should have a core set of personal beliefs on education. It is important to be aware of your own educational philosophy since it helps you focus on why you make decisions that plan and implement learning. Each day, I see clearly my views and values on education and development.

I believe that each student has the capacity to accomplish any goal that is set for them as long as they feel connected to what they are learning; without a link between the students and material, the interest is lost and the learning is harder and may take more time. 

I believe a developing child builds cognitive structures, or schemes, that connect previous knowledge and/or experiences to new knowledge. This connection cultivates the student's understanding and responding to his or her environment.

I believe as an educator to have positive expectations for yourself and your students. To achieve learning in the classroom, I must carry faith in the ability in each student and reach for their success. Teachers who set high expectations for their students will receive higher achievement from their students. 

I believe as an educator it is important to help students reach their fullest potential.

I believe a classroom should be an environment where students feel safe, comfortable, willing to take educational risks, be presented with new opportunities, and not be afraid to share their thoughts and ideas.

I believe as an educator I should to try and encourage students to discover life principles by themselves and help them make life applications. I must try to give them the opportunity to have dialogue among their peers and with myself about their personal experience, previous knowledge, and cultural beliefs. When you are able to build relationships and learn from one another, you can find similarities, build rapport, and enrich the learning process.

I believe an educator must walk alongside their students to create effective and meaningful dialogue about learning. Teacher-driven instruction and student-centered instruction are both needed, collaboratively in the classroom.  

I believe to be the guide on the side, not the sage on the stage. 

I believe it is important to create “learning intimacy” for my students. Students who exemplify passion and spirit for learning are more willing to pursue higher education.

I believe in the PURPLE STRATEGY. There are two entities involved in the purple strategy - the school combined (blue) with the role of the home (green). When those two influences are combined the learning & motivation towards education occurs. You need both to meet all the needs of the child.

I believe technology is an effective and innovative tool for the classroom.

I believe we as teachers must stretch ourselves if we are going to stretch our students.

I believe in the order of higher critical thinking.

I believe teaching provides opportunities growth, learning, and change.

In my classroom, I want to instill faith in themselves, hope in the future, and love of learning. When I am able to share my passion with them, I hope my experiences can help educate, influence, teach life applications needed for success.  It is important to know where you are going and what you want to do. Education provides a key.