My Philosophy of Education
“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically.
Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education.”
Martin Luther King Jr.
I believe that the purpose of education is to enable students to develop academically and personally so they can be successful contributors to society. Teachers strive to impart knowledge about course content, yet they should also emphasize critical thinking, a global awareness, and self-evaluation. An effective education not only benefits the individual, but the whole of society, as citizens make informed decisions to care for each other and the environment. My teaching experiences have led me to believe that there are three key interrelated components in an effective education: teaching methodology, classroom dynamics, and a passion for learning.
My teaching approach is student-centred, as I consider the learner’s goals, interests, and learning styles. I use a variety of instructional strategies in order to creatively meet students’ needs and set them up for success. My methods include interactive activities, critical readings, group discussions, and meaningful assignments. With the understanding that students today learn differently, I incorporate educational technology such as online videos, Internet links, PowerPoint presentations, online assessments, and class websites or learning management systems such as Blackboard or Moodle. I design my lessons to activate students’ prior knowledge, involve them in the topic, and allow them to construct and evaluate new ideas. I believe that students learn best by active participation in the educational process, and that the best stimulus for learning is interest in the topic. It is the teacher’s responsibility to cultivate this interest, first by relating the course material in a clear and engaging way, second by involving higher level thinking so students have a deeper understanding of the topic, and finally by making the topics personally relevant to the students so they can use the information in a real life situation.
Another key component of an effective education involves classroom dynamics. It is crucial for teachers to create a positive classroom atmosphere that is based on the values of mutual respect, responsibility, and integrity. My goals as a teacher are to model these ideals and to develop a supportive relationship with each student that will inspire confidence and success. In a safe academic environment, students should feel free to share their perspective and interact in a positive manner, developing essential interpersonal skills. As most Canadian classrooms are multicultural, this provides many opportunities to discuss various worldviews, and students should be encouraged to evaluate ideas and learn from each other.
A final factor that contributes to a valuable educational experience relates to the teacher’s passion for learning. One characteristic that should be obvious to students is the passion a teacher has for the subject area, as this may motivate students to engage further with the material. A passion for teaching is also important as instructors research new theories of learning and continually reflect on their own practice by evaluating lessons, asking for student feedback, and seeking out reviews from colleagues and supervisors. I believe a teacher’s personality, interests, and goals are reflected in the classroom, and my teaching reflects my passion for literature, traveling, and technology. By demonstrating my passion for learning, including the course content, my hope is not only to inspire students to do their best in my class, but to instil a desire for lifelong learning that will benefit them throughout their lives.
In conclusion, my philosophy of education impacts how I teach, how I develop relationships with my students, and how I live my life with enthusiasm and purpose. As I strive to value each student and give them a meaningful education, my hope is that their academic and personal growth will enable them to be successful in life and that their achievements and attitudes will benefit others in society.
Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education.”
Martin Luther King Jr.
I believe that the purpose of education is to enable students to develop academically and personally so they can be successful contributors to society. Teachers strive to impart knowledge about course content, yet they should also emphasize critical thinking, a global awareness, and self-evaluation. An effective education not only benefits the individual, but the whole of society, as citizens make informed decisions to care for each other and the environment. My teaching experiences have led me to believe that there are three key interrelated components in an effective education: teaching methodology, classroom dynamics, and a passion for learning.
My teaching approach is student-centred, as I consider the learner’s goals, interests, and learning styles. I use a variety of instructional strategies in order to creatively meet students’ needs and set them up for success. My methods include interactive activities, critical readings, group discussions, and meaningful assignments. With the understanding that students today learn differently, I incorporate educational technology such as online videos, Internet links, PowerPoint presentations, online assessments, and class websites or learning management systems such as Blackboard or Moodle. I design my lessons to activate students’ prior knowledge, involve them in the topic, and allow them to construct and evaluate new ideas. I believe that students learn best by active participation in the educational process, and that the best stimulus for learning is interest in the topic. It is the teacher’s responsibility to cultivate this interest, first by relating the course material in a clear and engaging way, second by involving higher level thinking so students have a deeper understanding of the topic, and finally by making the topics personally relevant to the students so they can use the information in a real life situation.
Another key component of an effective education involves classroom dynamics. It is crucial for teachers to create a positive classroom atmosphere that is based on the values of mutual respect, responsibility, and integrity. My goals as a teacher are to model these ideals and to develop a supportive relationship with each student that will inspire confidence and success. In a safe academic environment, students should feel free to share their perspective and interact in a positive manner, developing essential interpersonal skills. As most Canadian classrooms are multicultural, this provides many opportunities to discuss various worldviews, and students should be encouraged to evaluate ideas and learn from each other.
A final factor that contributes to a valuable educational experience relates to the teacher’s passion for learning. One characteristic that should be obvious to students is the passion a teacher has for the subject area, as this may motivate students to engage further with the material. A passion for teaching is also important as instructors research new theories of learning and continually reflect on their own practice by evaluating lessons, asking for student feedback, and seeking out reviews from colleagues and supervisors. I believe a teacher’s personality, interests, and goals are reflected in the classroom, and my teaching reflects my passion for literature, traveling, and technology. By demonstrating my passion for learning, including the course content, my hope is not only to inspire students to do their best in my class, but to instil a desire for lifelong learning that will benefit them throughout their lives.
In conclusion, my philosophy of education impacts how I teach, how I develop relationships with my students, and how I live my life with enthusiasm and purpose. As I strive to value each student and give them a meaningful education, my hope is that their academic and personal growth will enable them to be successful in life and that their achievements and attitudes will benefit others in society.