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Thursday, April 1, 2010
My Educational Philosophy Statement
I believe that all human beings are intrinsically virtuous at birth, but that as they grow and experience the world around them, they often become corrupted by the influence of negative external forces. However, even when corrupted, an individual may still display moral behavior in certain situations. Similar to my belief about the nature of man, I believe that the nature of society has strayed from its original moral state. Society was initially based on a moral foundation, but as it has aged, it has become increasingly individualistic and extremely preoccupied with power. Both the nature of man and the nature of society began with moral principles, but have since lost sight of them in favor of methods to improve one’s personal situation, nearly always at the expense of that of another human being.
Personally, I believe that knowledge is so much more than merely the academic subjects that are taught in schools today. Knowledge also consists of an individual’s perceptions of the world around them, including culture and social interactions. I also subscribe to the belief that knowledge is acquired by interacting with the beings and objects that exist in the world around us. An individual can only gain knowledge if they are active in their environment and seek out new experiences, especially ones that may challenge their own beliefs or understandings.
Being a Race and Ethnic Studies major, I was not surprised to find that I naturally gravitate toward the multiculturalism/socioculturalism and social reconstructionism philosophies of education. I believe that the purpose of education should be to enable students to recognize and respect diverse cultures so that they may promote a just, multicultural democracy. It is important for students to develop the ability to view everything through a critical lens so that they can solve serious social problems that limit equality, justice, and democracy. When allowed, education has the ability to facilitate and maintain positive social change.
As a teacher, I will strive to supplement the traditional academic subjects with lessons that will provide students with the tools necessary for them to critically analyze society (both past and present) and affect positive change in the world. The first step is to raise students’ consciousness about social problems, and then to teach them how they can engage in social critique and social action. The key is for the students to be active participants instead of an audience on the sidelines. A teacher must cultivate this mentality by making learning exciting for their students and by frequently encouraging them to do their best and reach their full potential.
It is important for students to be actively involved in the learning and teaching processes both inside and outside the classroom. Students should always be encouraged to help develop lesson plans and activities, and to contribute to classroom instruction by providing knowledge from their homes and past experiences. I firmly believe that English language learners should be allowed to use both languages in the classroom. It is the best way to facilitate their acquisition of the English language because it allows them to be comfortable in the classroom and does not discourage them from embracing their culture.
Similarly, I believe that special accommodations should be made inside and outside a classroom so that students with various disabilities are able to stay in a mainstream classroom. It is important that they are not sequestered into an isolated classroom where they will have limited interaction with regular education students. Every student should be given equal opportunities and access to a quality education.
My own cultural autobiography reveals the importance of parent involvement and active participation. Without a doubt, my parents are the reason why I got to where I am in today. As a teacher, I will make every effort to include the parents of my students and highly encourage them to play an active and positive role in their children’s education. If this effort is not taken and is not successful, then the cycle will be perpetuated for generations and little progress will be made.
Most importantly, I believe that my job is to cultivate and nurture a love for learning and knowledge, as well as a positive attitude toward life. Students must be optimistic and wholeheartedly believe that they can affect positive change in the world that all of us share and must navigate together.
I do not believe that there exists such a thing as a single truth, but that every individual must discover and develop their own truth as they grow and explore their world and the lives and experiences of others. So the only chief truth that I believe in is the fact that there is no overriding truth, only the unique truths of unique individuals.
Importantly, I recognize that I am only twenty years old, which means that I am still developing my beliefs and educational philosophy, and I know that they will continue to transform as I grow both as an individual and as a teacher.
Personally, I believe that knowledge is so much more than merely the academic subjects that are taught in schools today. Knowledge also consists of an individual’s perceptions of the world around them, including culture and social interactions. I also subscribe to the belief that knowledge is acquired by interacting with the beings and objects that exist in the world around us. An individual can only gain knowledge if they are active in their environment and seek out new experiences, especially ones that may challenge their own beliefs or understandings.
Being a Race and Ethnic Studies major, I was not surprised to find that I naturally gravitate toward the multiculturalism/socioculturalism and social reconstructionism philosophies of education. I believe that the purpose of education should be to enable students to recognize and respect diverse cultures so that they may promote a just, multicultural democracy. It is important for students to develop the ability to view everything through a critical lens so that they can solve serious social problems that limit equality, justice, and democracy. When allowed, education has the ability to facilitate and maintain positive social change.
As a teacher, I will strive to supplement the traditional academic subjects with lessons that will provide students with the tools necessary for them to critically analyze society (both past and present) and affect positive change in the world. The first step is to raise students’ consciousness about social problems, and then to teach them how they can engage in social critique and social action. The key is for the students to be active participants instead of an audience on the sidelines. A teacher must cultivate this mentality by making learning exciting for their students and by frequently encouraging them to do their best and reach their full potential.
It is important for students to be actively involved in the learning and teaching processes both inside and outside the classroom. Students should always be encouraged to help develop lesson plans and activities, and to contribute to classroom instruction by providing knowledge from their homes and past experiences. I firmly believe that English language learners should be allowed to use both languages in the classroom. It is the best way to facilitate their acquisition of the English language because it allows them to be comfortable in the classroom and does not discourage them from embracing their culture.
Similarly, I believe that special accommodations should be made inside and outside a classroom so that students with various disabilities are able to stay in a mainstream classroom. It is important that they are not sequestered into an isolated classroom where they will have limited interaction with regular education students. Every student should be given equal opportunities and access to a quality education.
My own cultural autobiography reveals the importance of parent involvement and active participation. Without a doubt, my parents are the reason why I got to where I am in today. As a teacher, I will make every effort to include the parents of my students and highly encourage them to play an active and positive role in their children’s education. If this effort is not taken and is not successful, then the cycle will be perpetuated for generations and little progress will be made.
Most importantly, I believe that my job is to cultivate and nurture a love for learning and knowledge, as well as a positive attitude toward life. Students must be optimistic and wholeheartedly believe that they can affect positive change in the world that all of us share and must navigate together.
I do not believe that there exists such a thing as a single truth, but that every individual must discover and develop their own truth as they grow and explore their world and the lives and experiences of others. So the only chief truth that I believe in is the fact that there is no overriding truth, only the unique truths of unique individuals.
Importantly, I recognize that I am only twenty years old, which means that I am still developing my beliefs and educational philosophy, and I know that they will continue to transform as I grow both as an individual and as a teacher.
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