My Personal Philosophy of Education

In this essay, I will outline the factors that have influenced my personal philosophy of education, giving
reference to key thinkers and theorists such as Johann Friedrich Herbart, John Dewey and mile
Durkheim. While evaluating and examining these theorists I will also relate to how their ideas and
theories have helped shape my own personal philosophy of education and give reference to my own
experience of teaching to back this up. The core idea of my personal philosophy is a hands-on
approach in a holistic manner to prepare students not only for their educational journey but also their
life long journey. A quote that I think epitomes this idea is

Tell me and I will forget, Show me and I may remember, Involve me and I will understand
(Confucius)

Philosophers in Education Herbart (1776-1841)

Herbart believed and built upon the core idea that senses played a very important role in educating a
person. He also believed that previous experiences are used when understanding a new concept.
In my classroom, I find that this idea of senses works very well especially in the Materials Technology
Wood classroom. Take for instance giving a demonstration on cutting a joint. The students hear me
talking through the process, they see me completing the process and they also have the opportunity
to feel the tools and timber when they complete the process for themselves. In this instance three
senses are being used unknow to the students and this will help them to retain the information and
learn from the lesson.
This also links back to the hands-on approach which I like to try to bring into my teaching style as often
as possible. It was clear to me from my teaching practice that this method of involving students in
demonstrations and making them an active part of the learning was more enjoyable and interesting
for them. This in turn helped them retain more information from each lesson.
In teaching the greatest sin is to be boring (Herbart)
Psychology in Education John Dewey (1859-1952)
In many of Deweys writings he makes a strong case for the importance of education not only as a
place to gain content and knowledge but also as a place to learn how to live. This is reiterated in his
quote Education is not preparation for life, education is life itself (John Dewey). I strong agree with
this statement of Deweys and believe that if students can relate to the life and real life stations within
their education then they will retain more information and in-turn gain lifelong skills.
This works very well in a Construction Studies classroom when the Electricity section is being covered.
All students would be familiar with electricity and how important it is in everyday life. Therefore, by
involving the students and teaching them how to wire a plug you are teaching them lifelong skills and
also preparing them to be valuable members of society. This idea is strengthened by Lev Vygotsky
when he states what an individual can do today with help, they can do tomorrow by themselves
Sociology mile Durkheim (1858-1917)
Sociology is defined as the systematic, scientific study of human society and groups. mile Durkheim,
who would have been regarded as a functionalist, seen education as a vital element in preparing
students for everyday society. the function of education is to transmit societies norms and values
He realised that students must be exposed to a positive learning environment. I also agree with this
statement and a positive environment is something I aim to achieve in my classroom. A positive
environment with proper rules and routines in turn prepares students for their life in society. Not only
do I aim to teach students life-long skills but also of the rules and a proper code of conduct that can
carry through with them into society. This in-turn will hopefully produce students who will go onto
become valuable members of society and role models to future students.
I conclude by saying that education is one of the most important aspects of life today. Not only should
students time in school prepare them for exams but it should also prepare them for the rest of their
life to come. My own personal philosophy is to prepare students in a holistic manner using a hands-
on approach for both their life long journey and their educational journey. I believe that this is a very
good foundation on which to produce student that will be of benefit to a society and to a national
workforce. This is also the reason why students should be a central and involved part of the learning
process.
Tell me and I will forget, Show me and I may remember, involve me and I will understand
(Confucius)