Philosophy of Education
Susan Milovich
Teachers need
to prepare their students for the ever changing world that they will face by recognizing
and concentrating on each child’s strong points. Children learn most effectively through the
utilization of several senses, including visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. Children often favor one of these senses over
the others; therefore, teachers must incorporate different kinds of activities
throughout the day in order to help each child learn. Through a technique called scaffolding, in
which the teachers build upon what the children already know, and by teaching
in a sequential fashion, teachers can ensure success. Teachers also must break large tasks into
smaller manageable sections so that all children have a chance to learn.
Children need to actively investigate
and explore the world around them through as many hands-on lessons as the
teacher can create. Children need to use
information not just memorize it to make it their own, for example; to compare
ideas, to solve problems, to make conclusions, and to see patterns. These activities involve higher order
thinking skills. As children use these
higher order thinking skills, they begin to construct their own learning. Children should work by themselves and also
in collaboration with others to maximize their abilities.
Parents are
an integral part of the learning process. Teachers need to have parent support
throughout the year and involve parents whenever possible. Open and frequent communication through phone
calls, conferences, email, and websites can all be utilized by the teacher to
reach parents.
The classroom
set-up and the teacher’s discipline techniques should be structured and
carefully planned. By developing a
nurturing and supportive atmosphere, where rules are simple and consequences
are thought out in advance with an emphasis on positive reinforcement rather
than negative consequences, the teacher creates an environment that will provide
the opportunity for each student to develop confidence and experience success.
Technology
should be used in the classroom when it enhances the lessons that need to be
taught. Technology should be
incorporated across the curriculum and embedded in the classroom routine. Lesson plans that are designed to keep
students interested, allow for a great deal of interaction between students and
the teacher, include hands-on activities, and use authentic assessment whenever
possible are pedagogically sound and will generate active learners.
The teacher
must realize that teaching techniques, curriculum topics, learning theory, and
other trends in education are not constant.
She needs to be open to new ideas and involve herself in Professional
Development opportunities throughout her career. As a life-long learner herself, she can help
to impart a joy of learning and discovery to her students.