LYCEUM NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY

Institute of Graduate and Professional Studies

MIDTERM EXAM
PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION WITH NEW CONSTITUTION

PREPARED BY:
JOSELITO M. CASTELLANO

SUBMITTED TO:
TEODY M. DELOS SANTOS, Ed. D.
 HOW TO BECOME A 21st CENTURY TEACHER?

Communication, Collaboration, Creativity, and Critical thinking – or “the four C’s.”

These are the four components of the much talked-about 21st century learning and innovation

skills, a movement and framework that illustrates the skills and knowledge needed for students to

succeed in school, work, and life. The ability for students to collaborate, work on authentic

problems, and engage with the community is believed to be what will separate those who are

prepared for increasingly complex life and work environments, and those who are not.

What should they be doing? What should their classrooms look like?

First to consider is that 21st century teacher should be a facilitator. The student is an

active participant, learning by doing. The focus should be on the students; their needs, abilities,

and preferences for learning. There are three different models for student-centered learning.

These are Inquiry-Based Learning; Problem-Based Learning; and Project-Based Learning. Mix

and match these learning models or find the one that works best for you and each of your

students.

We all know that the one-size-fits-all model doesn’t work anymore and we need to aim

for a one-size-fits-one solution. Technology is becoming more readily available in classrooms

today allowing for a more enhanced learning experience for students, who can learn at their own

pace with the tools they are most comfortable with. This is not to say that pen and paper is dead,

but technology is an effective supplement to, or even replacement for, more traditional teaching

methods. This is known as Blended Learning – a common technique used in today’s modern

classrooms and by today’s 21st century teachers.

 Every student is different, not just in the way that they learn but also in terms of their

personalities and cultural backgrounds. Bear these differences in mind when you set tasks for

your students and do your best to personalize your teaching so that you can do the best for every

child in your class. Technology can be a useful tool when it comes to personalizing content for

your students. Be sensitive to the diversity in your classrooms, respect, and get to you know each

of your students so that they feel valued.

It’s not just kids who are hooked on their social media, but it is becoming an increasingly

important tool for professionals. And it’s not just about staying connected but it serves many

other purposes such as professional development, researching, and networking. The prevalence

of social media in education has really given a new dimension to the industry and opened up

doors for educators. There are five ways you can use social media to stay in the 21st century’s

social circle: Be in touch with your students; Improve communication with students, parents and

peers; Stay informed and up to date with relevant trends and tools in the industry; Be aware of

school / district policies so that you can use social media appropriately on your own and with

your students, and stay inside school approved guidelines; and Educate students about online

safety and the impact of sharing their personal information online or with people they don’t

know.

A “well done” or “great effort” is sometimes all that’s needed to show you recognize and

appreciate your students’ work which is a little effort on your part, but a big impact on your

student. Publicly praising positive behaviour will let your students know that you are celebrating

their achievements and also creates a successful, supportive and encouraging environment in

which your students will thrive.

 Things have changed and research has found that an authoritative and coercive style of

teaching only disheartens learners and kills their motivation. Don’t be afraid to use humour now

and then to increase student engagement and spice up your teaching. When students understand

that you are a human being too, they are more likely to have confidence and express themselves.

A structured learning environment that is planned and well-organized is a key to student

success. Particularly when you are integrating technology and more student-centric learning

techniques into your classroom, it’s important to maintain the attention span and give very clear

instructions and guidelines. Letting students know where the line is and what they are expected

to achieve will help them to set their own goals and be self-directed in their learning.

Assessment doesn’t just mean making your students take lots of written tests. Incorporate

regular performance-based assessment so that instead of asking the traditional question “Do you

know it?” you are asking the question “How well can you use what you know?” Assessments,

just like instruction, should be tailored to the individual needs and abilities of each student.

Incorporate quizzes, polls, or even projects to determine your students understanding and needs

so that you can plan your teaching time accordingly.

As Abraham Lincoln once said “Love the job you do and you will never have to work a

day.” The best way to motivate and get students interested in your subject is to have passion for

it yourself and convey this passion to everyone and most importantly to your students. Your

positivity will only rub off on them in a positive way and they will be much more likely to

engage in your lessons and be successful in their learning.