My Philosophy of Teaching

Learning is, of course, the main purpose of education. It is the goal of every student and the task of every teacher to increase knowledge and understanding in the classroom. I feel that the concept of learning should be focused around four main areas. Independent thought is essential to the development of each student. Being able to form unique independent ideas to solve problems will serve them both in and outside of the classroom. Group interaction is also an important part of learning. Being able to share ideas, validate them with those of others, and teamwork are important processes in social and mental development. The teacher should also be prepared to lead students in the direction they should go to reach correct conclusions and answers, without always providing the answers themselves. Finally, stressing the use of learned ideas and processes in new situations is essential. By using information, students should be able to apply what they have learned to new life or learning situations. Transfer of this sort is what really determines what has been learned.

            In order to aid students in reaching their desired learning goals, the teacher must have a clear set of objectives. I feel that teachers should serve a number of purposes. First and foremost, they should act as guides, pointing students in the direction they should go to find answers and solve problems by providing them with the essential information they need to do so. They should also act as advisors or facilitators, especially in the school setting. Students at this level need input and more assistance in deciding on courses to best reach their personal academic and career goals. Teacher should help these students in making important decisions in these areas. Students also need to feel comfortable approaching their teacher for some questions and clarifications. Teachers need to make education as enjoyable and beneficial as possible to for students. By teachers acting in all of these manners, a student's education will be more complete and enjoyable than one in which a student only sees the teacher in the classroom.

            Teachers should also set specific goals for students. Mastery of information has always been the goal for teachers, and should continue to be one of the essentials. In addition, long term goals for students should be set, allowing students to work towards goals over time. As a part of this, intellectual development of each student should continue over time, allowing students to use what they are learning later in life. It is also the hope of all teachers that students will develop an interest in the subject area being taught. Although this does not occur in all cases, students should at the very least develop an appreciation for the subject and the material being taught in the classroom.

            This leads to an expected question: how does one implement this philosophy? No single teacher will be able to implement all of their personal educational philosophies at one time. By constantly creating ideas for day-to-day use, the teacher can begin to work towards their philosophical goals. Over time, these can become long-term goals, allowing the teacher to develop the teaching styles and methods that work best for them. Finally, by continually asking, "How do I conduct my classes?" the teacher can examine how close or far they are from sticking to their educational goals.

            As with anyone involved in education, student or teacher, a personal growth plan should always be included. One never develops socially, intellectually, or academically, without consistently learning new things and striving to further oneself. This can include classes as a part of a continuing education program, receiving regular input from students and consistently attempting to improve their teaching style, or trying new ideas or strategies on regular basis.

            In addition  being a researcher, I am willing to share my knowledge and skill in doing research in different fields.

            Each teacher needs to have a personal philosophy of teaching to guide their actions and ideas. This list is one I have made to guide myself. It is by no means all-encompassing, but it provides a basis for what I feel about education, and what I want my students to feel when they leave my classroom.

 Thank you and More power God Bless us all Teachers!