My Educational Philosophy
Constructivism
learners construct knowledge through personal experience and not by sitting and taking in information
No, I do believe knowledge can come from taking in information in a classroom setting
Yes, I believe personal experience heavily shapes one's view/outlook on life
People can still learn even if they haven't experienced what they are learning
Learning from experience creates a more memorable pathway in the brain
Essentialism
students should learn the traditional subjects thoroughly strictly through lecture
No, I do not agree that students should learn strictly through lectures but through universal design for learning
Giving students options in how they complete assignments allows them to complete work according to their preference and how they learn best (essay, poster, slideshow etc)
Yes, teaching traditional subjects are important
Reading, writing, math, science, history, art, literature, language
Existentialism
every individual is unique and education should cater to individual differences and strictly student choice
No, I do not believe everything should be student choice
Students may choose to do nothing or believe they. have authority over adults in school
Yes, everyone is created uniquely with a certain set of gifts and talents
I agree students should not be viewed as objects but as human beings who have meaning, purpose, value and worth
Progressivism
focus is on the student over content or the teacher
No, I do not believe students should solely decide what is taught or learned
Students often focus on the immediate, what is applicable in their current world and not how a skill may help them in the future
Yes, I believe students learn best when they are interested in what they are learning about and have a say in how they learn
Interest in any subject can be applied to all academic areas
Interest in a subject will keep the attention of the learner
Pragmatisim
teaching students the things that are practical in life and encouraging them
Yes, I believe asking questions to problem solve during lessons encourages critical and independent thinking
I agree with preparing students for citizenship, daily living and future careers
Yes, I see the value in teaching students life skills that will benefit them on an everyday basis and encouraging students
Dewey's 4 Principles of Education: Learning by Doing, Discussion, Interactive, Interdisciplinary
