RUNNING HEAD: Philosophy of Education 1

Philosophy of Education

Joseph Nastasi

Molloy College
RUNNING HEAD: Philosophy of Education 2

While taking more and more classes pertaining to education, my perception on teaching

and how a school and classroom should be managed has changed. I would consider myself a

progressivist. My majors focus is adolescent social studies and special education and I intend to

apply this to my teaching. I am firmly believe that experience is the best teacher and

progressivism encompasses this in its theory. I would like all students, even those without a love

for social studies, to come into my classroom excited to learn and leave with life skills they could

carry with them the rest of their lives. Some of the most important factors I want my class to

focus on will be critical thinking, time management, social skills (being able to express

themselves), and hard work. These four things will be taught using progressive methods to best

connect with my students.

Not every student will be interested in social studies; others will not even remember the

material two or three years after having my class, let alone have to use the information outside of

the classroom. Therefore, I do not believe that learning strictly the material is the most important

thing in the class. While the material in the curriculum is important and crucial to education,

there are equally important things that I will teach using the social studies content and a

progressive classroom atmosphere. It is essential for students to grow, become critical thinkers,

and become civically active and these go hand in hand with being able to successfully express

themselves. In todays world, it is important to have a voice, especially an educated one. My

RUNNING HEAD: Philosophy of Education 3

class will work collaboratively as well as independently. They will have to delve deeper into

subjects and form their own opinions and theories on situations, decide why historical people

decided to do what they did, and infer what actually happened when discussing the history

presented. This will encourage students to practice working as a team, thinking for themselves,

compiling useful information, and then expressing it in an intellectual way.

Learning through experience is one of the most effective ways a human can learn. It is

how we learned to walk and how we figure out how to handle situations in every day life. In my

class, students will go on as many field trips as possible to gain first-hand knowledge and

experience. They will spend many classes working on projects while I circulate the classroom to

help and give my input. Much of their learning will be done on their own, with guidance and

support coming from myself. Very few classes will involve lecture, rather classes will be

structured as an open forum to allow for discussion and debate on different topics. Every student

will be required to express themselves but would not be restricted as to how they went about it.

The only thing I ask from my students is that they work to the best of their ability, which will be

made clear throughout my teaching.

My classroom will not be organized in a traditional fashion, with chairs in rows and the

teacher at the head of the room lecturing. My classroom will be one of expression, opinion,

debate, and creation. My students will learn how to manage time, think critically, express

themselves, and most importantly work hard and give me their very best.