Running Head: PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION

Philosophy of Education Shanna Osinski Azusa Pacific University Cadre 18

Philosophy of Education

PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION Education plays an essential role in both our society as a whole and for

individuals. For individuals, the goals are to educate each person in the basics of reading, writing, literature, social studies, math, and science with the intentions of setting the stage for people to be life long self-learners. The goals for society are that the citizens would become well-rounded, active participant in our society who work together for a common good. The role of school in society isnt solely to educate students, but also to help foster respect for authority as well as other individuals, understand the need for procedures and consequences, and grasp the fundamentals of how society functions and the role they play as individuals. Since education is such an essential part of being a productive part of society, I believe that it should be a top priority. The government should not allow education to be continually effected by budget cuts, but rather have a consistent budget standard. Society as a whole should do their best to encourage and take responsibility for positively enforcing education. And students should understand the implications that their educational experience will have on not only their futures, but also the future of society as a whole. As a teacher, I view my students as the future. Each student having unique views and giftings, but most of all, they are all created in the image of God. I am responsible for a classroom full of our future, not only in the subjects we explore, but more importantly, in their understanding of the character of God. By the end of the year, I view my students like family. Together we have shared a journey of growth and achievement.

PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION

My hope for each of my students is that they will have the curiosity and training to be life long learners and pursue their goals and dreams. I know I only have a small window of influence, but I do believe that when students have a connection to a mentor in their life, they are more likely to feel supported and encouraged, no matter their endeavor. I strive to be a support and encouragement to each of my students even as they continue their education. With the necessary support, I believe each students role is to be open-minded, adventurous, collaborative, and discerning in his or her educational pursuits. A students attitude plays a large role in learning as well. Students also need to exercise self-control and flexibility. Ultimately, all of these attributes will make a well-rounded, determined student who is prepared to withstand educational and social trials. I view a teachers role as being equivalent to a tour guide. She has a purposeful direction, a plan, knowledge of the terrain, encourages as well as challenges students, is a mentor, and most importantly, allows for stops along the way to discover and explore the beauty of learning. The primary responsibility of a teacher is to guide students in their endeavor of learning. This guidance includes having an awareness of students needs and how to engage her students and spark the adventure and determination of the learning process. Another very important part of being a guide to students is coming along side them as their mentor and support. So many children dont have the family support thats needed to believe in themselves and succeed, myself included. It was because of the great mentorship of so many teachers in my life that I succeeded in school and being a mentor to students is a huge goal of my teaching career.

PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION When guiding my students, I most certainly promote specific values on our adventure. Ive had the privilege of teaching at two Christian schools and Christ has

always been number one in our classrooms. We talk openly and honestly about who God is and what He demands of our lives. Secondly, I strive to promote a safe environment where everyone can ask questions and share as well as talk with me personally. I want my students to understand that Im along for the adventure with them and this is our tour so they have an active part in determining many of our stops and expressing their hearts. The teaching style that best describes me is traditional with a progressive flare. I understand the need for a disciplined, organized classroom as well as the need for students to feel a part of our team, incorporating student centered, collaborative applications. I love technology and see the extreme importance of its role in this current generation of students. I am continually striving to be relevant, refined, accessible, and an encouraging teacher who puts Christ first in all that I do. The content of our curriculum should be consistent of lessons that are intertwined with real life activities and experiences. I believe students relate best to material when they experience it in the context of life and the genuine world occurrences. Students are always going to ask when will I ever need to know this? and through contextual learning, subjects will make sense and be applicable to the future. I feel it gives the material true value and students will be less likely to just memorize the necessary lessons. Yet, as John Dewey stressed, I believe it is necessary for curriculum to be an educational structure that strikes a balance between delivering knowledge while also taking into account the interests and experiences of the student (John Dewey, 2011, On Education para. 5).

PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION When it comes to curriculum content, in my opinion, a committee of teachers from the applicable grade level should choose new curriculum and pilot it before

determining its acceptance. The curriculum should be thoroughly examined for lessons that include real life examples and activities, as well as different levels of learning applications for low, medium, and advanced students. The curriculum should have additional features for English Language Learners as well as extra practice for students who need it. I prefer a curriculum that has way more then I will ever need so that I have options rather than a curriculum that I have to fill in the gaps. When teaching in an elementary school classroom, my management system reflects the necessity for students to be respectful, considerate, citizens. Students would pull a pin for a warning that if not resolved right away, would lead to further consequences- no recess, lunch pick up, or parent conference. On the other hand, students who are engaged, kind, helpful, and polite will receive a Super Star that functions like money for the end of the week treasure chest. Discipline is an issue that teachers need to be sensitive to yet firm in. I strongly believe that physical discipline of any type is not acceptable and should be the parents responsibility. Yet, it is important for teachers to enforce a consequence and reward classroom system for discipline as I mentioned above. Students need to know the teacher is the authority in the classroom and disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated and will result in consequences. Its important to regularly be updating parents on their students progress throughout the school year. First and foremost, I do my best to grade all student work in a timely manner and send these assignments home. Student grades are usually based on an assignment rubric. Secondly, these scores will regularly be updated on the schools

PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION electronic web grade-book that all parents and students have access to. Next, I will monthly send home a student progress report which is a detailed print out of each

students current grade and individual assignment and test scores. If a student falls within the C minus or below category, parents are to sign their progress report and return it to me immediately. I also send regular emails to parents to communicate concerned for their students grade. Lastly, student report cards are posted each quarter on the schools electronic grade-book for parents and students to view. Overall, my philosophy of education is picture into my vision and style of teaching. Its essential to take the time to define what I believe about education, why its important, and how it affects my classroom environment. May this philosophy of education give you perspective to who I am as a teacher.

References John Dewey (2011). In Wikipedia. Retrieved July 27, 2011 from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Dewey