Teaching Philosophy

Teaching Philosophy

            A good education is the ticket to a successful, fulfilling and prosperous life. It sets the foundation for many life experiences and equips an individual to effectively deal with everyday challenges. One of the key elements of a good education goes back to who is providing the students with the information and knowledge: the teachers. Teachers help to provide a positive, nurturing environment for the students to learn in, promote healthy interaction between students and help guide students towards a brighter future. Students respond the a teacher’s mood, attitude and overall classroom philosophy. If the teacher approaches learning with a positive attitude, chances are the students will too. Teaching science, in particular, holds much importance. Science is so vital because it encompasses so many different facets of life. From the way our bodies function to the laws of physics, there is so much knowledge to be gained from the lessons of science. Science is also a great way to get kids interested in certain subject areas. Future doctors and biologists will never come to be if it wasn’t for the early foundations of science. Many lessons in science help a student develop not just scientific problem solving skills, but problem solving skills for many different subject areas. For example, the Scientific Method is a skill which a student will use throughout their scientific career. It is also the foundation for solving everyday problems and helps develop methodical thinking.

            When I am finally teaching my own class, my number one goal is to be a useful and guiding resource to all of my students. I hope to be able to provide a classroom setting in which many different types of learners can achieve success and students feel like they can ask for help if needed. Also, I hope that I am able to be a firm teacher and set high expectations for my students. Yet, at the same time, I hope that I am also able to inspire and provide a positive learning environment for them.

            I believe that every child has potential and is capable of grasping the material if given proper guidance. No child is ever a lost cause and it is the teacher’s personal responsibility to ensure the success of every student. For example, if a student seems to be struggling in a certain subject area or has been acting out lately, the teacher must talk to the student or the parents and try to find a resolution to the problem. The teacher must always be proactive. Also, if a teacher notices that the class is not responding well to an activity, they must be able to think on their feet and learn to engage the students. Whether this is by asking questions or facilitating a classroom discussion, there are many ways to ensure that students’ minds are being stimulated. Teachers must learn to tweak their teaching style to fit the individual needs of their students.

            There have been several teachers throughout my academic career who have demonstrated many of the positive ways to keep students actively engaged in their learning. For example, my sixth grade math teacher always made herself available to her students for extra help. She would hold weekly review sessions every Friday morning to go over any confusing material and answer students’ questions. She made us students take personal responsibility for our own success in her class, yet still served as a positive guide. Her class was always interesting and she found many different ways to reach students, rather than just lecturing every day. Her encouragement and positive attitude was reflected in many of her students’ successes.