Bandini Sethi

Teaching Philosophy
September 30th 2016
TEME 1100

What is a teaching philosophy? According to the University of Minnesota, a teaching philosophy is a selfreflective statement of your beliefs about teaching and learning. A teaching philosophy should also
discuss how you put your beliefs into practice by including concrete examples of what you do or
anticipate doing in the classroom. (Innovation, 2015)
Daniel D. Pratt outlines the Five Perspectives on Teaching Adults. His main ideas consist of,
transmission, apprenticeship, developmental, nurturing, and social reform. (Pratt, 1998) In my teaching
philosophy, I rely on all five theories. In terms of transition, I believe it is important to have enthusiasm
for teaching and the subject matter. If students do not see my excitement or motivation for learning the
material, they will not be able to relate. A professor must always be prepared, and show that effort and
thought was put in various activities and course content. In addition, apprenticeship, or in my field of
educational practice, students are expected to complete field placements throughout their time at the
College.
Pratt also discusses the developmental perspective, which makes the assumption that effective teaching
must be planned and conducted from the students point of view. (Pratt, 1998) In this regard, I believe
the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles come into play. Each student learns differently and
therefore, it is important to keep that in mind, and develop course curriculum and assessments that
meet a wide variety of student needs. Furthermore, Pratt also discusses the concept of nurturing.
Effective teaching must come from the heart. (Pratt, 1998)
As educators, I believe we must provide safe spaces for students to learn and grow. This conversation
came up today in my Canadian Criminal Justice System course where the discussion of sexual assault
and the definition and confusion surrounding consent was personal. I made sure that the students felt
that the classroom was a safe space for them to express their views and ask questions. It is precisely
with these kinds of discussions and life experiences add to the student learning process. It is important
to be respectful of student opinions, and treat them equally regardless of age, gender, nationality, and
intellectual ability.
As I began writing this teaching philosophy, I came across one from the University of Minnesota, and I
believe the teaching components are also central to my teaching and learning as an educator. Being an
effective educator, one must promote positive learning and exemplify by showing enthusiasm for
leaning. (Innovation, 2015) In addition, the way I have always approached higher education, is being a
student, because each time I am in class, I find myself learning new things learning from the students.
What might work for one class might not work for another. This approach to life-long learning also
provides students with the tools to ensure success. (Innovation, 2015)
Because I teach in the School of Justice and Emergency Services, I can see how Pratts principle of social
reform comes into play. Most of the students want to have a career in some aspect of law enforcement,
and it is through law enforcement that they can make an impact on their community, city or even
country.
My teaching philosophy is a little different from the typical ones you might come across. I accidently fell
into the profession of teaching. Why such an interest in education? For most of my life, I believed that I

Bandini Sethi
Teaching Philosophy
September 30th 2016
TEME 1100

would practice law and use my sound legal abilities to make the world a better place. However, after
stumbling into the education profession, I felt that with my commitment to lifelong learning, I could see
myself having a career as an educator. My teaching philosophy has changed and evolved over the years.
From my first semester to today, my approach and practice to education has shifted.
In the variety of programs, I have had the opportunity to teach and learn from a diverse group of
students of students, thereby utilizing a range of teaching and learning styles to meet a range of
students needs. In addition, I have gained critical skills at developing and implementing stimulating
lesson plans, administering and evaluating course work, and assess the course delivery to ensure
effective learning and discussion to foster an interactive classroom setting.
An effective instructor has many responsibilities as an educator. An educator must strive to be effective
ad motivated. Motivation is key. It is important to help students remained focused and motivated in
their educational pursuits and being able to take the skills they have learned. In addition, a teaching
philosophy must consist of the educator being supportive and respectful of and to students points of
views.
My years as a Professor at Durham College has taught me that I love to learn, and this love transpires to
my students. I have genuinely developed a heartfelt love for the education profession.

Bandini Sethi
Teaching Philosophy
September 30th 2016
TEME 1100

Works Cited
Innovation, C. f. (2015, February 20). University of Minnesota . Retrieved from Center for Educational
Innovation Academic Affairs and Provost: https://cei.umn.edu/supportservices/tutorials/writing-teaching-philosophy
Pratt, D. (1998). Chapter 3: Alternative Frames of Understanding: An Introduction to Five Perspectives
on Teaching . In D. D. Pratt, Five Perspectives on Teaching in Adult and Higher Education .
Malabar, FL: Krieger Publishing .