My Teaching Philosophy
Below are a list of the five aspects that I would like to see and help create in every classroom that I teach in.
Engagement - I want to have my students engaged and actively participating in classroom activities. It is important that students feel that their education is fun. Having hands-on activities where children get to experience and feel what they are learning is an important aspect of education. When children feel as through their learning is worthwhile and can relate to activities, students will be more willing to participate and open their minds learning.
Strength-Focused - I think that it is important that students have a feeling of success everyday. In order to feel successful, it is important that teachers know their students and are able to incorporate student's strengths into activities rather than focusing only on fixing students weaknesses. To do this teachers must know their students and help students to hone in and recognize their own strengths and interests.
Community and Inclusion Driven - It is important that students feel safe in the classroom. I want to teach in a classroom that feels like a community were teachers and students have a mutual sense of trust and respect. It is important that students learn to work together and respect the diversity within the classroom. I also think it is important that all students feel that their role in the classroom is important. It is important that students feel included and that their presences is essential to the classroom community.
Multimodal and Differentiated Learning - All children learn differently, so it is important, as a teacher that I present information and activities in a variety of different ways in order to engage as many students as possible. I think it is important to get to know students and create activities that students can relate to and understand. As a shy student, I found it difficult to participate in large group discussions, when teachers made the effort to get to know me and allow alternative methods for me to show my understanding of concepts, I felt much more at ease in the classroom.
Curiosity and Inquiry Focused - I think it is important that students play an active role in their education. I want my students want to ask questions and explore their own interests. I encourage students to think for themselves and to try investigate when they have a questions. I think it is important that students feel challenged by not only the teacher, but by themselves as well. In encouraging children to wonder and ask questions, teachers are helping children to become thinkers and investigators.