PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION 1

Brigitte Novelo
Jheri Crisostomo
Liberal Studies 400
20 March 2017

Philosophy of Education

The purpose of education is to prepare students from different diversities, an opportunity

to excel in their academic journey. Our youth deserve to be taught by educators who are willing

to go the extra mile, in teaching skills that will assist students in gaining a sufficient amount of

knowledge that will teach children to think critically, and excel in all their academic areas.

Children from all socio-economic backgrounds will be able to grow into adults expanding their

knowledge by continuing their academic journey with higher education. The skills that children

grasp on when they are young will determine how they will mold into successful adults.

It is important for children to learn in a positive classroom environment that is a clean

classroom that is well organized, and set-up in a manner where students sit close to one another

so they can work together when appropriate. A teacher's role in this learning environment

includes being one who makes children feel comfortable, and encourages children to ask several

questions throughout their lessons. My own experience in elementary school includes a

classroom that was filled with different work and projects posted throughout the class. A teacher

who always had a smile on her face, and was willing to assist me whenever I needed help

especially with my Native American project. It is great teachers like my third grade teacher who

teach young children in a way where the material taught is being presented in a way that will stay

in your mind even after twenty-years. As Stripling (2008) describe how using a process of

learning that is derived by questioning and making sense of information students will acquire

knowledge that will not be easily forgotten.

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The public school system in this country is filled with students that come from different

socio-economic backgrounds and this is why it is critical to address social justice in education.

Teachers should provide an equal opportunity for all students to learn new skills that will assist

in exceling in writing, reading, math, and other subjects. A teacher should understand that not all

students have the same resources as others. Some students have the advantage of having parents

who have degrees, and therefore can assist with homework and projects. Then, there are those

students whose parents do not speak or write English. Both these students who although are

facing different obstacles should still be able to acquire the same learning experience and gain

the same amount of knowledge. I myself, was that student who at home did not have parents to

assist me when I did not understand a homework problem. I was in the second grade, when I first

attended an elementary school who immersed me in an all English class setting. It was difficult

from what I remember, but I was lucky enough that I worked hard and I am days away from

receiving my own degree from a university. Hackman (2005) explains how a teacher should

understand who their target audience is especially in a classroom, where some students need

extra assistance in learning certain content. By including the backgrounds of students, teachers

can create lessons that will be better suited and easier to follow. In education, new methods for

teaching are always changing especially aimed to guide students in succeeding with their

academic needs.

There are certain teaching styles that are better suited for all students. Even for adults

everyone learns by their own method some prefer visual, auditory, or kinesthetic. The same goes

with children different learning methods can be utilized for teaching certain subjects. Inquiry

Based Learning and Project Based Learning in a classroom accommodate the Common Core

State Standards. The projects students create by this type of learning assist students in
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understanding new concepts and skills. By asking children questions, and presenting new

concepts children can think critically, and begin analytical thinking at a young age. Students need

to make inferences and create questions that will attribute in their learning experience with the

new subjects (Wilson & Peterson, 2006). The hands on investigation students use when working

with others by asking questions and creating projects can clarify the curricula taught at school. In

my own experience, I remember creating dioramas during science lessons of the weather cycle,

and learning about sound waves by using two foam cups and a wire. It is learning methods like

my own that stay with you even as an adult.

To be an effective teacher, one must begin each day with a positive attitude, and be well

prepared for the week. A smile as soon as children arrive in class can make a difference in

creating an enjoyable environment. Educators should work together to give different ideas of

creating a better learning environment for children. Good teaching requires teachers to create and

use, expand and reject, construct and reconstruct theories of teaching and learning (Wilson &

Peterson, 2006). Teachers that connect with their students provide a learning experience that is

educational and enjoyable. Children need a classroom that reflects students work to motivate

them, to try their best in all their academic work. By creating programs from all the years of

experience in the classroom and utilizing inquiry and project based learning teachers can impact

the lives of students.

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References

Hackman, W. H., (2005). Five essential components for social justice education. Equity &

Excellence in Education, 38(103-108).

Stripling. B, (2008). Inquiry: Inquiring minds want to know. School Library Media Activities,

25(2).

Wilson, S. M., Peterson, P. L, (2006). Theories of learning and teaching what do they mean for

educators?. Washington, DC: National Education Association,(5).