Personal Philosophy

    My personal philosophy of education is based on a variety of beliefs about teaching, how learners develop, and my personal teaching experiences. I find the philosophies of Progressivism, Behaviorism, and Social Reconstructionism within my fundamental beliefs about teaching.  I believe there are essential skills that each student needs to obtain a successful education. The philosophies of John Dewy, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Friedrich Froebel, Johann Pestalozzi, and William James, and B.F. Skinner are reflected throughout my personal philosophy. 
     The Progressivism theory has shaped my philosophy of education. According to Webb, Metha, & Jordan (2007) Progressivism protests against an emphasis on universal truth, at the expense of experience and relevance (p. 10). I truly believe that students learn best when they feel what they are learning is relevant and meaningful in their lives. I agree with Dewey (1896) he stated, “the purpose of education is to enhance individual effectiveness in society and give learners’ practical knowledge and problem-solving skills” (p. 78).  As teachers, I believe our focus should be on teaching learners “how” to think instead of  “what” to think. 
     I believe students learn best by actively constructing their own knowledge and understanding of content based on prior knowledge, skills and experience. Therefore, my beliefs reflect that of the Progressivism theory.  In a Progressivisms’ classroom, learning is student-centered and the curriculum is built around the experiences, interests, and abilities of students, in which encourages students to work together cooperatively. I am a firm believer in cooperative learning. I feel as though students need to learn how to work together to accomplish a common goal.  Students need to be given the opportunity to engage in hands-on activities based on the their interest. I believe through experimental learning, innovative teaching methods and strong collaboration between teachers and parents, emphasis is placed on the growth of the whole child. Through scientific investigation, decision-making, problem solving, critical thinking, cooperative learning activities, teachers give students the opportunity to engage in meaningful learning experiences. Therefore, it is important for teachers to incorporate a variety of teaching methods to ensure they meet the needs of the different types of learners in the classroom. 
     My philosophy of education also incorporates ideas of Social Reconstructionism. I believe teachers should give students opportunities to relate their learning and critical thinking skills to social challenges and problems outside of the classroom. Not only do students have the potential to make a difference within our society, they can grow as individuals in the process. This approach has the benefits of empowering students and building their self-esteem and problem solving skills.
     Based on my teaching experiences, I believe the theory of Behaviorism greatly shapes my education philosophy as well. I believe in establishing classroom rules and routines in the beginning of the year. I like to allow students to be involved in the rule-making process. Through my teaching experiences, I have learned that students are more likely to follow the rules if they feel like they have ownership in them. I believe it is important to create an environment where appropriate reinforcement strategies exist and are used to facilitate learning and establish acceptable behavior within the classroom. According to B.F. Skinner, “proper motivation does not come from within, rather it is the reinforcing opportunities of the environment that serve to strengthen or reduce behaviors” (Cruickshank, Jenkins & Metcalf, 2011, p. 104). 
       Assessment and feedback are vital components of the learning environment. I believe the Progressivism philosophy is the most sufficient way to measure students’ knowledge. Assessments guide my instruction. I believe both summative and formative assessments should be conducted in the classroom. However, I believe the best way to monitor student progress is through formative assessments. Through formal assessments, I am able to see the strengths and weaknesses of my teaching practice and make modifications to instruction depending on the needs of my students. Assessments allow me to provide students with ongoing feedback, plan further instructional and learning activities, set subsequent goals, and determine areas for further instruction and intervention. 
       In agreement with the Progressivism philosophy, I believe that the role of the teacher is to facilitate the learning experience by guiding students to formulate meaningful questions and create strategies to answer those questions. I believe that all students have the right to an education that allows for the development of knowledge to the student’s fullest potential. Students are not created equal; they enter school with different knowledge and backgrounds. Therefore, I believe every student is entitled to an education that builds upon his or her own personal prior knowledge. 
       My philosophy is eclectic. I don’t believe that there is a one size fits all educational philosophy. I believe each philosophy, in different ways are effective in teaching students. However, I think the most effective and responsible teachers are the ones that develop a teaching philosophy that is best suited to their students and how they learn.