Running head: STATEMENT OF INFORMED BELIEFS

Statement of Informed Beliefs

Nicole ONeil
College of Southern Idaho
Evin Fox
EDUC 204 C04W
Spring 2017
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Statement of Informed Beliefs

Introduction

No two people are alike, not even twins. We are all unique individuals; some have special

talents, different experience, and personal ideas. I believe as a future teacher every class will be

different, because every student is different and unique in their own way. It will be my goal to

always make learning fun in any way possible.

Students Ability to learn

Students have the same responsibility as teachers. The first one is respect for one another.

My students and parents will always be treated with respect. I will also expect to be treated with

respect. With guidance and discipline, I will help each child learn how disruptions effect all in

the classroom. Teaching the students that disruptions in class is disrespectful and with too many

disruptions in a classroom lessens the learning time of every student and keeps me from giving

my full attention to the students.

Students have an amazing ability to learn. I believe that adapting my teaching skills to

meet the needs of the students will enhance their learning experience. By using the different

types of learning styles in each lesson taught, will help each student understand in their own

way. The different learning styles are pointed out by Howard Gardner. Gardner says there are 8

different types of learning styles. The eight are logical-mathematical, linguistic, body-

kinesthetic, musical, spatial, interpersonal, intrapersonal and naturalist (Berns, 2013, pp. 254-

255). Always being able to go to them individually and helping the ones who need extra help,

while keeping the classroom in control. I will do group activities so they can be peer teachers

and help one another. I will have class discussions to get their ideas on the lessons we are

learning. By including the students, it will help with their confidents in themselves.
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A young child from birth to 8 years need to be taught everything we know, to guide them

for the rest of their lives. A parent is their first teacher. As an early childhood educator, we need

to help guide the parents to know what the development stages are and how they work. Erik

Erikson, a student of Freud, developed his theory of psychosocial development based on Freuds

work. He has 4 stages for early childhood. They are trust vs. mistrust (birth to age 1 if you show

love you will get trust, if you dont meet their need you will get mistrust), autonomy vs. shame

and doubt (2 years to 3 years old if you let the child explore and develop a sense of self as an

individual, autonomy develops if the parents are rigid and impatient they will develop shame and

doubt), initiative vs. guilt (3 years to 5 years old physical and mental abilities expand) , industry

vs. inferiority (6 12 achievement becomes important) (Berns, 2013, p. 43).

The expectation of a student I have is that they always learn something new every day

they are with me. I expect them to listen and speak up if they dont understand what is being

taught. I want my students to always know that they can come to me for anything, I will listen.

For my students to never stress over the small things or when things get to hard. For me as a

teacher to never stress over anything and to be adaptable in everything I do. Remembering as a

teacher, to always have an open mind and a caring heart for my students, because you never

know what they are experiencing in their life.

Students Social Ecology Theory

A student has many influences in their life. This is what shapes them to be an individual.

Their socioeconomic status is part of their families status. Socioeconomic is the grouping of

people with similar occupational, educational, and economic characteristics. A family's

socioeconomic status is based on family income, parental education level, parental occupation,

and social status in the community. Why should any of this affect a students self-concept? This
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affects a students self-concept by the negative acts that come along. When other kids or even

teachers find out you are a low-income child they look at you differently. They think you are

dumb and cant do anything. Now as a child, I was one of those low-income children and kids

were mean. I can remember a skiing trip in Jr high and was told by another girl that I couldnt go

because I didnt have the money and even if I did I couldnt get the right stuff. This makes kids

not want to try out for things or go to things and say that its stupid to try to hide that they can

afford it. As teachers, you cant judge your students. Just because they have little money, dress

funny, raised differently or their parents didnt further their education doesnt mean there slow,

stupid, or cant be successful. We need to teach all children to not judge each other. We wont be

able to stop any of the socioeconomic status people make, but we can try.

Cultural Diversity Instruction

Being in a classroom you will find children with different backgrounds. We will have

cultural pluralism in the classroom. I will have an open mind and a loving heart for all. I will

embrace the students ethnicity. By communicating with the parents and finding out information

about the students. I will try to incorporate different ways to show they are included. By always

using development appropriate ways to show where they are from.

Curriculum for all Learners

Whether I create my own or follow a set curriculum I will always work on developing

my skills to reach all students. To be able to use different ways of teaching for every student to

learn. I will use assessment test for each student and remember that each one learns at different

levels. When a student shows mastering a skill, I will find ways to challenge them. I will teach

them with having the standardized test in mind.

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There are many students that dont like working with the opposite sex. As teachers, we

need to see this and help change this to make all students feel comfortable with their peers in the

classroom. Being able to have cooperative goal structure and a rotating system will also help

the students get to know one another.

Conclusion

Every child is unique in their own way. By recognizing their ability to learn and their

background we can reach all children. With guidance, I will help every child reach for the stars. I

promise to be adaptable to all challenges and be the best I can be.

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References
Berns, R. M. (2013). Child, Family, School, Community: Socialization and Support.
Stamford: Cengage Learning.