Running Head: PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION 1

Philosophy of Education

Michael Scheuerer

Molloy College
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Philosophy of Education

As an educator, my main goal will be to not only educate great young minds, but to also

create great citizens of society. Outside knowledge, known as street knowledge, will be a focus

in my classroom. This type of education is eerily similar to Vygotskys notion of social

constructivism. I believe that this is the most productive and best way for students to learn and to

be prepared for the real world ahead of them.

Lev Vygotsky was a Russian developmental psychologist. His theory of social

constructivism is one I believe in and support. This philosophy advocates that educators address

social questions and pursue their inquiry to create a better society and worldwide democracy. It

focuses on the curriculum that highlights social reform as the aim for education. This notion also

uses the fact that the future of society is in the hands of the students. If the students are well

prepared, they will continue to grow in society and keep it moving in a positive direction.

Vygotsky believed the best way to achieve this is by group based learning. I will no doubt use

this notion in my classroom as students learn the best when they are in a group. For example, in

one of my math classes in college, my professor allowed us to complete every homework in a

group. This allowed me to collaborate with other students and helped me learn the material a lot

easier. I believe a students most valuable asset in school is the relationships they make with

other students. I believe this concept needs to be in every classroom and will no doubt be in

mine.

I believe one of the most important things for an educator to do is to provide an enjoyable

and friendly classroom. As an educator, I need to come up with lesson plans that will attract the

attention of the students and keep their attention. In order to do this, I need to consider the three

different learning styles: visual, kinesthetic, and auditory. I also believe that it is an educators job
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to rid their students of different theories as to why some groups succeed and some do not. I

firmly believe that every child has the same learning capabilities as long as themselves and their

educators believe in them. Some of these theories include the deficit theory, the cultural

difference theory, and the expectation theory. I will make it a primary objective to teach every

one of my students equally and I will strive to get the best out of them.

In order for students to be prepared for the real world, a social reconstructionism

philosophy in schools is necessary. I believe that I am more of a guide in the classroom rather

than a teacher. It is my job to guide each and every student towards success. This type of

education is the only way this generation of kids will be prepared for the world. I believe that it

is my sole purpose as an educator to prepare students for what lies ahead of them in their future.
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References

Friere, P., & Counts, G. (2015, May 7). Social Reconstructionism. Retrieved February 21, 2017,

from

http://media.tcc.fl.edu/webcourses/ctll/Developing_Your_Teaching_Philosophy/Developi

ng_Your_Teaching_Philosophy11.html

Sadker, D. M., & Zittleman, K. R. (2016). Teachers, Schools, and Society: A Brief Introduction

to Education (4th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education.