Philosophy of Education

In the English dictionary, philosophy is defined as an analysis of the grounds of and concepts expressing fundamental beliefs.  My philosophy of education is a statement of my beliefs regarding education.  Teaching is a very important skill and essential function of life. Without teaching, our way of life as we know it would be totally different. Success would have a total different meaning without education.  People who use teaching in their every day lives range from career trainers, sales representatives, coaches, to of course, teachers. In order for people to be successful in their everyday tasks, they needed to be able to be taught by someone of higher skill then them. Teaching and the ability to learn is an integral way of life, both inside and outside of the education environment. Teaching doesn’t just involve introducing new concepts; it involves life-long learning.  The great teachers are the ones who continually change their teaching to fit the students.  Teachers need to be able to be open to change and need to have the ability to evolve. 

Student interaction is an important factor in education. For students to be confident and successful in learning, they need to know that their teacher is sincere and believes in them. I think the more interaction between the teacher and the student, the more success you are going to have in the classroom. Teachers need to gain the respect and trust of the students in order to be successful educators.  Teachers that develop personal relationships with their students, develop bonds for life. The students feel that their teachers aren’t just there to teach, but they’re there to talk and to give advice both in and out of the classroom.  We, as teachers, are not just giving students subject matter, we are teaching them life lessons.  Relationships with students make teaching that much more effective. Student and teacher involvement makes learning and teaching that much more productive. By having relationships with my students, they are usually more willing to get involved and participate.  I am also a proponent of cooperative learning.  I feel that students can teach other students as well as the classroom teacher. 

I believe change is an important aspect to teaching as well. There are always changes in technology, administration, and curriculum. The teaching profession is always changing from year to year. To be a successful teacher, we must recognize the changes and be flexible.  Education is a profession that changes frequently.  I feel the knowledge I have gained at DSU has taught me that in order to get the most out of my students, I must be a catalyst for educational change. One of the most important aspects of teaching is to be open to change and to allow it to happen. A good teacher is always open-minded and does what is best for his/her students for their future.  From year to year, lessons and teaching techniques are going to change based on the types of learners that are present in the classroom. 

Teachers need to integrate their teaching to the constantly evolving student.  The strategies that work with educating youngsters have changed drastically with the coming of the technological age.  Students have different needs today for learning.  Technology is an essential tool for educators to use to try to motivate the students to learn.  Technology is also a way to involve the community.  In some school districts, roughly 90% of students have on-line access at home.  This in addition to computer labs for secondary students could help interest the minds of young adults.    

In conclusion, I feel education is essential for life. Without it, there would be no advancement in human life. Biologists find cures and advancements in medicine for the sick and dying. Engineers design roads and buildings for everyday use. Politicians brainstorm and communicate with others to better the country and world. Overall, teachers provide the education and base knowledge for all of these professions and others as well.