10/22/2012

My Philosophy of Education
I believe that classroom curriculum should consist of various activities designed to help
students develop their social and interpersonal skills. It is known that people who have
exceptional interpersonal skills tend to be more successful in their career pursuits. My role as a
teacher would be to help students break out of their shells and learn how to work well with
others. Cooperative learning would be a main objective in my classroom.
I believe that classrooms should serve as welcoming environments where students are
allowed to experiment, research, and learn about things that interest them. Classrooms should
not be constructed in a one-size-fits-all format. Students in my classroom would not be
restricted to learning through text books and listening to monotonous lectures. I would strive to
plan different activities in order to address each of my students different learning styles.
As a teacher, I would try to motivate my students to voice their opinions in an
appropriate way. I believe that classrooms should be places for open discussions and places
where students are allowed to say what is on their minds. When students are able to connect
lessons to their personal experiences, then that knowledge becomes meaningful to them.
Students are more likely to grasp important knowledge when they are able to apply it to their
daily life.
Students in my classroom would not only be learners but teachers as well. I know that
working with students will provide me with personal growth and priceless experiences. A
teaching career is one that will prove to be rewarding to me and to my students. I hope to inspire
my students to pursue their interests and express themselves without fear of being judged. I aim
to create a classroom that houses an inviting atmosphere that is alive with student creativity and
meaningful educational experiences.

Reflection
After going through the Elementary Education Program at Dixie State University, I
learned a lot about myself as a teacher, and as a student. As a teacher, I learned that the amount
of time that a teacher has to present their students with important information is very limited.
This could be the reason why many teachers fall into the habit of presenting heavy lecture-based
lessons to their students time after time again. Although in my early philosophy I had stated that
I would avoid presenting my students with such a lesson, I ended up doing just that.
However, the more time that I spent in the classroom the more I realized the important
role that time plays in education. Students spend around 7 hours in school from Monday to
Friday. In order for education to be effective, teachers must learn how to utilize that time in the
most effective way possible. As a student, I recall the most meaningful and impressive days in
school included me sharing my thoughts with my classmates and learning from them. A
teachers most valuable resources are their students and the unique cultures and perspectives that
they bring to class. I want my students to come to class and expel all of their energy and
enthusiasm during school. My biggest goal is to have my students become their own teachers,
and learn from each other. I will not force my students to sit through monotonous lectures day
after day. I want my students to be out of their seats, working collaboratively, researching
together, and learning to love learning.
As a future educator, I would want my students to leave my classroom knowing that their
voice was heard and that they were an important part in our classroom. Above everything, I
want my students to learn how to be responsible democratic citizens. My classroom will be a
place where students will practice how to work cooperatively with their peers, listen to others

opinions respectfully and work towards learning goals. I want all of my students to know that
they can be successful and that everyone around them will help them succeed.