My Teaching Philosophy
Children are inquisitive by nature. They want to see how things work, ask questions and learn as much as possible. It is a human beings natural instinct. So when I began teaching, I took this very seriously. I wanted to make sure I can support their quest for knowledge, not by giving them the answer, but by showing them how to find it for themselves. Since I take this seriously, I needed to take a look back at my experiences.
Looking back at my experiences when I was younger, I remembered few teachers. Some of them were my favorite teachers and the others were teachers that terrified me. I was terrified because I remember not being a strong reader as a child and had terrible anxiety while waiting to be called on to read orally. This teacher was not remembered in a good way. But then on the other hand, I had a few teachers that have affected my life positively. One middle school teacher encouraged us to be ourselves. He understood some of us had challenges with learning or difficult times at home. He allowed us to turn in our assignments when we completed them, without a time limit. He also counseled students who had difficulties at home and needed a helpful ear. He was the model for my teaching style today.
Teaching is about the students and their learning. Because of this, I believe all students must have access to the curriculum in a meaningful way. Since it is evident that all children learn differently, I want to make sure they receive engaging and deeper curriculum. Scratching the surface of a concept is not an option. One way I plan on achieving my goals is by utilizing evidence based practices like cooperative learning groups throughout my teaching.
Something that I completely despise is lectures. I know that traditional lectures are not effective. Half of the time students are daydreaming about other things and the other half are playing with things on their desk or just plainly confused about what the teacher is saying. This is why I enjoy cooperative group work, hands-on learning and problem based activities. These activities allow students to learn from peers, learn through exploration and truly learn.
I am not a perfect teacher. I do not have a specific formula. I change as my students change. But before leaving my classroom, I would like my students to feel safe and appreciated, be self-starters and most of all be successful. I hope to inspire them and create well rounded human beings. Children bloom like flowers as long as you water it.
Looking back at my experiences when I was younger, I remembered few teachers. Some of them were my favorite teachers and the others were teachers that terrified me. I was terrified because I remember not being a strong reader as a child and had terrible anxiety while waiting to be called on to read orally. This teacher was not remembered in a good way. But then on the other hand, I had a few teachers that have affected my life positively. One middle school teacher encouraged us to be ourselves. He understood some of us had challenges with learning or difficult times at home. He allowed us to turn in our assignments when we completed them, without a time limit. He also counseled students who had difficulties at home and needed a helpful ear. He was the model for my teaching style today.
Teaching is about the students and their learning. Because of this, I believe all students must have access to the curriculum in a meaningful way. Since it is evident that all children learn differently, I want to make sure they receive engaging and deeper curriculum. Scratching the surface of a concept is not an option. One way I plan on achieving my goals is by utilizing evidence based practices like cooperative learning groups throughout my teaching.
Something that I completely despise is lectures. I know that traditional lectures are not effective. Half of the time students are daydreaming about other things and the other half are playing with things on their desk or just plainly confused about what the teacher is saying. This is why I enjoy cooperative group work, hands-on learning and problem based activities. These activities allow students to learn from peers, learn through exploration and truly learn.
I am not a perfect teacher. I do not have a specific formula. I change as my students change. But before leaving my classroom, I would like my students to feel safe and appreciated, be self-starters and most of all be successful. I hope to inspire them and create well rounded human beings. Children bloom like flowers as long as you water it.