B.C. Forbes once said "upon our children-how they are taught-rests the fate or fortune of tomorrows world". I believe that the children are our future. When I look at their small bodies or listen to their big dreams, I look and see future firemen, politicians, dancers and teachers. As a teacher, I want to better prepare my students for the dreams to which they aspire. I want their confidence to be high, having the knowledge that they are important and capable. I want them to leave my class fearing no obstacle and with a spirit of exploration.
To begin this dream, I have created my personal philosophy. First, the role of the school is to impart information and create life experiences that the will educate each student. Here students know few bounds and are eager to explore. I feel the school should teach its basic content requirements (such as English, History, Math), as well as respect, communication and organization.
Secondly, my role as the teacher is that of a respectful and motivational leader. I want the ability to distinguish each student's differences, guide them on their path of education and help each student succeed. Students will learn through constructivist lessons. Students begin their journey at different starting points which are affected by their readiness, interest and learning profile. As a teacher, I want to take each student from that point to a higher level. Using Bloom's Taxonomy, I can facilitate this increase to a higher level. I believe in using differentiated instruction, so that the lesson may approach each student from a different angle. This can be done by differentiating content, activity and product. Examples are making a poster, show a movie, have students act out a play, draw and formulate outlines. The more ways a lesson can be taught, will not only help students to comprehend the material but it will also create an interesting and ever changing classroom.
Assessment is also one way to see how far each child has progressed. I believe in creating tests that are valid and reliable. I am very careful in making sure that students are assessed appropriately on the content. The end result is the students will be a product of their new information and learning. I also believe in Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences which motivates me to examine student's progress through different assessment styles-not just the regular chapter test. Using the eight different intelligence (Mathematical, Spatial, Bodily Kinesthetic, Musical, Naturalist, Interpersonal, Intrapersonal and Linguistic) I will assess the student as a whole learner.
Next, is the role of the students. I want to create positive relationship among students, where there would be an enriching environment. Communication is needed between teachers, parents and students to keep a healthy environment. In this respect, students need to feel comfortable around their peers. Most importantly students must feel safe in answering a question incorrectly or asking "stupid questions". By feeling comfortable, students have more of a chance to think outside of the box. Students are also encouraged to participate in lively conversations, required to bring all necessary materials to class and of course follow the rules of the classroom.
Teachers were always focused on the students in the classroom, but never really took a look at the parents or community. Teachers need to keep in good communication with parents. Meetings and/or quarterly newsletters are a great way to keep the parents engaged in their child's learning. Community activities are a great way to show your town you really care about the community as whole-not just the students who reside. Holding art shows, concerts and other educational town events will show active participation and enthusiasm for learning.
My goal as a teacher is to have children enjoy learning. I want to teach valuable lessons and give my students exciting experiences. I want them to come to school knowing they are going to learn and actually have fun learning. I want to mold the minds of our young to enhance our future.
