Educational Theory Influences
Until recently, I've been wishy-washy on what "school of thought" I fall into. I've studied the various educational theories and philosophies and wanted my own philosophy and style to emerge naturally, without trying to adhere to any certain mindset.
What I have found is this: my beliefs and personal philosophy of teaching and of learning closely follows Constructivist Theory. As this theory maintains, learning is a search for meaning. Students must be able to find some relevance in the material presented to them. With each piece of relevant knowledge, our mental models can adjust to what we have learned. Approaching education in this way allows for more meaningful experiences of learning.