Philosophy of Education

The purpose of school should be to prepare students for their role in society, based off of

their interests and abilities. The educators purpose is to guide the child at the proper pace, with

their interests in mind, and to utilize hands on experience when applicable. A child learns best

when the material is taught at their pace and measured on their individual ability. The schools

purpose is to educate the children proper morals, ethics, and to prepare them to enter the

workforce or to further their post-secondary education.

Social studies education is the foundation for students education. It develops students

into more well-rounded individuals becoming more engaged in their communities, civically, and

their role in our democratic society. Social studies aid in the development of a variety of critical

skills that are unique but transferable across disciplines and into careers such as; writing, reading,

spatial thinking, and critical thinking. It provides the foundation of our present conditions

whether that is economically, geographically, or even civically. Without this retrospective view,

we would not have adequate knowledge to best understand or to approach societies ever

changing problems.

In my classroom, the students will be challenged and actively participating in their

learning experience. Classroom interaction enhances the students learning experience. It gives

the students an opportunity to present their opinions while understanding the importance of

accepting opposing beliefs through discussion and debates. I would put an emphasis on the

analyzing of primary and secondary sources so the students can understand the key issues from

multiple perspectives. Traditional examinations are necessary to familiarize the students with the

statewide testing, I prefer the in-class discussions, debates, self-assessments, observations and

technology.

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 In my classroom, technology will be essential since it makes class more efficient and

engaging. There is a wealth of resources available for free on the internet and can be easily

integrated into any classroom. Videos, photos, Geographical Information Systems, and etc. are

not only engaging but are excellent supplementary material to improve a lesson. Additionally, the

students need the experience with new technologies because they will need the experience

whether they are entering the workforce immediately or furthering their post-secondary

education. As an educator, it is our responsibility to utilize the available resources that can

enhance our instruction and the students learning.

My classroom management is based off of the positive classroom management theory.

When a student enters my classroom, they will be aware of the expectations that the class and I

have developed. If acute behavior problems occur, I will employ non-verbal methods such as

proximity control or a simple verbal warning, if necessary. Chronic issues will be resolved

between discussions with the student, guardians, and the other educators. My intention is to

develop a safe and welcoming learning environment that will enhance student learning.

Overall, my classroom puts an emphasis on the students individual potential, with their

prior knowledge and pace of learning taken into account. The students will be taught and

assessed in a variety of ways, utilizing technology when applicable, in order to prepare them for

statewide testing, furthering education, and to develop practical skills for their future. The impact

of social studies education reaches beyond the public-school education but to college, career, and

leading a civically engaged life. While these skills and abilities are unique to social studies, they

are applicable to other disciplines. They broaden our perspectives, leading the way to greater

understanding of societys problems locally and globally.