The Philosophy of Teaching

The teaching has grown with my many years of teaching experience. As I reflect on my beliefs regarding teaching and learning, I find that my mission as a college professor has three basic components; to promote positive learning, to spark enthusiasm for learning, to provide a strong foundation for lifelong learning.I apply a wide range of strategies based on essential educational principles that encompass cognitive functioning, learning theory, diversity, planning and assessment. It is necessary to consider the level of cognitive functioning of learners to implement and apply strategies that are appropriate to challenge the learner. You should routinely plan activities, such as quick writes, that can help me determine the levels of my students and tailor my instruction accordingly. Without this consideration, I would risk the possibility of my students experiencing ‘hit or miss’ learning.

As a Psychology major, I value the many years of opportunities to apply significant contributions from various learning theories. For example, when used appropriately, behavioral theory offers a variety of principles that can benefit classroom learning and management at all levels. Cognitive learning principles offer significant contributions, particularly in brain-based research, in regards to memory systems and active processing of information. Some of my favorites activities that are well received by students of all ages include: think-pair-share, classroom jigsaw activities, constructive controversies, and interactive lectures.

Cultural diversity of a group and each individual’s learning style help me to look at how to best meet the needs of the group overall. YouI can then both design and tailor effective instruction by implementing appropriate strategies. Although a variety of learning styles are likely represented by learners in any large class/group setting, I routinely design my instruction using the research-based learning cycle; this cycle provides the framework for me to encompass a repertoire of effective strategies, which can both accommodate individual preferences, engage diverse learners, and help establish a respect for differing preferences and perspectives. Curriculum and instruction planning is one key consideration for teachers. There are many different areas to cosider including direct instuction, exposition and inquiry-based methods as well as group instruction. My lessons are always clearly planned with the end goal in mind. I also plan how the overall lesson will engage the student and how the lesson be measured. Different groups have different needs based on the diversity, so clear planning is essential to keep the class focused and per certain to obtain the desired result.

Assessments are very important in order to see if students are gaining the information that they need. I strongly beleived that I accurately assess my course content with a wide variety of assessment. To this end, you should often use rubrics, quick writes, checklists, projects and traditional exams and tests. Assessments are just one way to help students be more effective in their role as learners.

Whether I am teaching elementary school students or college students, these basic principles have helped to guide me as I continue to grow and learn as an educator. My passion for life and teaching helps me to positively connect with people of all ages. As a result, I enjoy helping students feel success and see how their hard work can pay off as they continue to grow and ultimately become lifelong learners.