My Philosophy of Education
I believe the most important objective of being a middle school Science teacher is to help students learn the fundamentals of Science. To be an effective teacher, however, one has to take that a step further and help students develop critical thinking skills, learn how to work together to develop problem-solving strategies, be responsible, gain mutual respect, and stay motivated to learn. To achieve these goals, I feel it is imperative for a teacher to be intentional in preparing, managing, teaching, and reflecting on each and every class. Using not only direct instruction but also student-centered and constructivists approaches to teaching and learning that create an environment and culture where learning can take place. In addition, an effective teacher will understand the basics of Human Development. For example, an understanding of cognitive development theories like that of Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky can aid in a teachers understanding how children can learn not only on their own but also with the help of other people around them. Determining where students’ zone of proximal development is crucial and can be realized through pre-assessments, formal and informal assessments on a continual basis which is to be used to drive and align instruction.
Furthermore, when a teacher understands these theories, it is also very helpful to understand information processing and cognitive theories of learning. Teacher strategies like reminding students of information that they already know which pertains to new material aids in students’ ability to grasp new concepts. This is one of many aspects of presenting material to students in lesson plans that use cognitive psychology and scientific research on the brain. Additionally, making subject matter relevant to students’ lives and teaching them study strategies can help students make neural connections required for higher learning and memory. Another extremely important aspect of being an effective teacher is the use of technology in the classroom which I feel is critical in closing the gap between our students and the rest of the world. The bottom line is that I will forever believe that I can make a difference in the lives of children through mutual respect. Because I am a life-long learner with many years of experience in instructing young children, I know the importance of creating a positive and stimulating environment where children feel safe in order to teach them fundamentals of the subject of Science.
Furthermore, when a teacher understands these theories, it is also very helpful to understand information processing and cognitive theories of learning. Teacher strategies like reminding students of information that they already know which pertains to new material aids in students’ ability to grasp new concepts. This is one of many aspects of presenting material to students in lesson plans that use cognitive psychology and scientific research on the brain. Additionally, making subject matter relevant to students’ lives and teaching them study strategies can help students make neural connections required for higher learning and memory. Another extremely important aspect of being an effective teacher is the use of technology in the classroom which I feel is critical in closing the gap between our students and the rest of the world. The bottom line is that I will forever believe that I can make a difference in the lives of children through mutual respect. Because I am a life-long learner with many years of experience in instructing young children, I know the importance of creating a positive and stimulating environment where children feel safe in order to teach them fundamentals of the subject of Science.