Philosophy of Teaching
My philosophy of teaching is one that teaching is about learning. Learning is a very general definition that is not easily defined. To summarize, it is gaining knowledge, however, it does not explain how this knowledge is acquired. Every student comes to school with a unique set of characteristics. No one way of teaching will work for every student, as each individual learns in a different way. Every student is capable of learning, as long as they are provided with the proper tools to do so. As a teacher, I believe it is crucial to understand what types of learners are in the classroom and accommodate them accordingly, in order for them to be successful.
To provide students with opportunities for success, I need to create an environment that allows for students to explore their learning and deepen their understandings. The easiest way to create learning is to ensure that it is meaningful and realistic. It is so important to bring the outside world within the walls of the classroom. If the students can't find a reason that they will use the information in the future, they will literally check out of your class. Students need to know why the information being thrown at them is important to them, or they will simply forget. How is this accomplished?
Student learning cannot happen unless they feel safe enough to share their knowledge and understanding. If the students don't feel comfortable sharing, or possible getting the wrong answer, in front of their peers, they will get very little out of the lesson. To work around this, I have set up seating plans largely based on peer groups, and I have encouraged story sharing to get to know each other. Every week, I have my students talk about the weekend, and then I will share about mine. My students know that they can tell me anything and I am always available when they need me. I make it a point not only to get to know them, but for them to get to know me. Making connections with students is a main component for what drives students to learn. These connections won't happen overnight and they need to be worked on and cherished. Every student needs to be treated with the utmost equality.
Enthusiasm is the main ingredient in my recipe for success. If I am not excited about what I'm teaching, the students won;t be excited about what they're learning. The passion I have for teaching really comes out when I am engaged in the lessons with my students. The traditional chalkboard, textbook and explain is not something that suits me.The best learning in my class happens through peer work. I like to set up learning groups that allow for discussion and exploration to take place. When students are teaching each other, I have to spend less time teaching one-on-one with them. My classroom involves a lot of activity and movement. I can't sit still for very long, nor do I expect my students to. I plan a variety of activities to teach the concepts of the unit. This allows for a student-centered classroom and empowers students in their learning.
As a teacher, it is not my goal to simply promote the subject matter, but also to mold them into engaged, ethical, and entrepreneurial thinkers. I want students who are able to problem solve and explain the steps and strategies they used to get to an answer. It is more important for students to understand the how rather than the why. This goal is accomplished by providing a dynamic and safe learning environment.
To provide students with opportunities for success, I need to create an environment that allows for students to explore their learning and deepen their understandings. The easiest way to create learning is to ensure that it is meaningful and realistic. It is so important to bring the outside world within the walls of the classroom. If the students can't find a reason that they will use the information in the future, they will literally check out of your class. Students need to know why the information being thrown at them is important to them, or they will simply forget. How is this accomplished?
Student learning cannot happen unless they feel safe enough to share their knowledge and understanding. If the students don't feel comfortable sharing, or possible getting the wrong answer, in front of their peers, they will get very little out of the lesson. To work around this, I have set up seating plans largely based on peer groups, and I have encouraged story sharing to get to know each other. Every week, I have my students talk about the weekend, and then I will share about mine. My students know that they can tell me anything and I am always available when they need me. I make it a point not only to get to know them, but for them to get to know me. Making connections with students is a main component for what drives students to learn. These connections won't happen overnight and they need to be worked on and cherished. Every student needs to be treated with the utmost equality.
Enthusiasm is the main ingredient in my recipe for success. If I am not excited about what I'm teaching, the students won;t be excited about what they're learning. The passion I have for teaching really comes out when I am engaged in the lessons with my students. The traditional chalkboard, textbook and explain is not something that suits me.The best learning in my class happens through peer work. I like to set up learning groups that allow for discussion and exploration to take place. When students are teaching each other, I have to spend less time teaching one-on-one with them. My classroom involves a lot of activity and movement. I can't sit still for very long, nor do I expect my students to. I plan a variety of activities to teach the concepts of the unit. This allows for a student-centered classroom and empowers students in their learning.
As a teacher, it is not my goal to simply promote the subject matter, but also to mold them into engaged, ethical, and entrepreneurial thinkers. I want students who are able to problem solve and explain the steps and strategies they used to get to an answer. It is more important for students to understand the how rather than the why. This goal is accomplished by providing a dynamic and safe learning environment.