Running head: PHILOSOPHY OF TEACHING 1

Philosophy of Teaching

By: Allison C. Reynolds

Salt Lake Community College

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Philosophy of Teaching

The styles that most reflect my teaching beliefs are Progressivism and Essentialism. I

believe that a classroom should be and organized, inclusive classroom, designed to meet the

needs of all students. Students should be exposed to a variety of learning strategies. According to

Bobby Hobgood ED.D and Lauren Ormsby, differentiating instructions not only allows teachers

to teach the standards successfully, but also allows them to address individual student needs. I

will use whole group when introducing a new concept, then I will use flexible grouping and

learning centers for them to explore and investigate the new concepts using technology and

manipulatives. I will plan authentic lessons to help my students in real life, authentic is real life. I

will involve students in planning my lessons. It will help them understand and be able to give

input in what they are learning.

Progressivism emphasizes real world problems and individual development. The way this

philosophy relates to my teaching style is through small group, hands-on instruction. Students

will make predictions and use problem solving strategies with their groups. Learning centers will

be used to allow the students to experience a new learning environment. Seating in the

classrooms will be set up in tables so they can socialize with each other. Allowing the students to

participate and be involved usually helps the students understand it better because they do it

themselves. For example, if a student is learning how to divide, as a teacher you can write the

equation on the board and solve it in front of them as many times as you want. But the thing that

will help them understand it the best is to have them try it themselves. They may get it wrong but

it will allow them to learn from their mistakes and each time they will learn something different.

Another teaching style that reflects my philosophy of teaching is Essentialism.

Essentialism is specific knowledge that students should learn. It is important for teachers to have
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an objective in mind. I will implant that in my classroom a lot. I will make sure I not only have a

goal but know what my goal is. Setting the standards high and making sure you meet them is

something that can really affect students in a good way. Essentialism allows the students to

receive parent and teacher guidance. That will help the students make better decisions and set a

good path for them in their life. I will teach the students in a way that they can understand what I

am teaching, which will influence their academic levels. Also having a goal in mind will cause

less distractions and help the students stay on task. If they are on task and know where their

heading there wont be any time for behavior issues.

The main reasons why these most reflects my beliefs is mainly from the positive

influence it has on students. Having the hands-on learning and group discussions is the reason

why I wanted to teach in the first place. I learned better from doing it rather form watching

someone else do it. I believe that keeping a goal in mind is super important too because it will

help us achieve more. For example, if we dont know what we are supposed to teach them by the

end of the term how are they going to do good on their end of year test. Also, if we just teach the

lesson and we dont know what they are supposed to know by the end of the lesson then we

dont know what we need to put a lot of emphasis on. I believe that both teaching styles are super

important to follow for the student to better understand what they are supposed to know.
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References
Introduction to Teaching, D. Kauchak & P. Eggen (2016)
Inclusion in the21st-century classroom: Differentiating with technology, Bobby Hobgood ED.D
and Lauren Ormsby