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Terri McCoy

Dr. Ellis

Education 1300 .200

September 20, 2017

Philosophy of Education

When I was a child, the teacher that made the biggest difference in my life was my high

school science teacher Mrs. Fite. She taught with the perfect combination of a hands-on student-

centered teaching philosophy and a teacher-centered curriculum of traditional topics and virtues.

She taught her students to respect one another despite cultural differences. I hope to be able to

adapt my own teaching philosophy to follow along the same path she did between the

philosophies of progressivism and essentialism to prepare my students for stressful test taking

situations, and to be respectful in our culturally diverse world.

On the cover, these two philosophies of education seem completely opposite of each

other. There are wonderful qualities of each that I believe students will benefit from. The

teacher centered class room that is focused on a core curriculum, along with the goal of students

becoming culturally literate and ready to step out into the world that William Bagley created in

the Essentialism Philosophy is very important for students. Both for the standardized testing that

is required of them, and as the student’s move from high school to college. I also believe that it

is of the upmost importance that teachers be virtuous role models for students to look up to both,

in the class room and without.

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I also believe that it is important for students to learn by doing and having fun, with field

trips, experiments, learning games and projects that intrigue them, these are qualities that are

seen in John Dewey’s Progressivism Philosophy. I also believe it is necessary to be flexible in

some of the content of the curriculum that is not essential as far as being required for the

standardized tests. I would like to let the students take the lead and chose some of the content to

focus their studies on, in individual and group projects. In so doing I believe it will make them

more excited about learning these subjects as well as the material that is required for

standardized tests.

Standardized tests are stressful and difficult for both students and teachers. As students

move out into the world, weather they decide to further their education or to forgo college and

jump right into working, there will be many more stressful and difficult tests they must endure

and do well on. Because of this, students in my class will work on testing techniques that can

help them survive and even thrive during test taking times.

I believe that it is very important in today’s society that children are brought up with

understanding and respect for the culture and beliefs of others. Incorporating knowledge of

cultures that differ from the norm will be an essential part of my curriculum. In so doing I hope

to be able to influence my students to be openminded and accepting of people who are different

from them.

In focusing on the best qualities of progressivism and essentialism, I will give my

students the opportunity to become, respectful, responsible, autonomous, and intelligent young

people as they make the move to adulthood, as well as helping them to become successful test

takers and respectful of cultures other than their own. I believe these qualities are very important
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for young adults to have as they graduate high school and move on to college or out into the job

force.