My Classroom Philosopy

My philosophy of education is a student-centered one. I believe I should serve as the "guide" rather than the only source of information, because I will not always be there to give the answer. When my students are confronted with a problem, they will be armed with the knowledge of how to go about solving that problem. I focus on students' individual needs, by identifying their strengths and build on them by having a differentiated classroom. Each child is a unique individual who needs a secure, caring, and stimulating atmosphere in which to grow. It is my desire as an educator to help students meet their fullest potential by providing a safe, happy environment.

I want my students to become life long learners who will become productive people in society. I will show students that learning can be fun by using games and working in groups. It is my belief that most students learn when they are motivated and interested in what is being taught. It is my desire to find ways to hook the students, energize them to learn while they are with me, and to make it meaningful. My strengths in the classroom are to make learning fun and exciting for the students, and because they are having fun they don't realize they are learning. I will teach students to be active, productive students in my classroom, by giving them a voice in what I am teaching. I do this through class meetings and encouraging dialogue. Allowing the students to speak their mind, and have a say in how we will run the classroom keeps them invested in what they are learning.

As a teacher I hope to provide a safe and happy atmosphere. I strive every day to be consistent with my behavior policy; I know consistency is the key. The students want to see that everyone is being treated fairly and equally. I do this by having the discipline plan in place, discussed with the students, and posted in my classroom. I want my students to become responsible members of my classroom and community by using positive consistent discipline. I have a behaviorist point of view, because I do focus on more positive then negative reinforcement, as did B.F. Skinner. Organization is also a key component to, because without organization, my classroom would not run smoothly. I have an eclectic philosophical position with teaching. I consider myself to be a middle of the road on my educational views. I am a little progressive because I do believe I am a motivator and a guide, but I am ultimately in charge of the classroom, which puts me back to being traditional. I believe in teaching the whole child, and my classroom atmosphere is formal unlike the progressive view. I don't believe that students are passive learners and should work most of the time independently like the transmissive view. I like an equal balance of independent work, working in pairs, and working with groups. This is more like what they will be doing when they in the working world.

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