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Philosophy of Education

Pat Goodwin

My philosophy of education is rooted in Confucius’ statement, “I hear, and I forget. I see, and I remember. I do, and I understand.”

From that statement, I conclude that the ideal learning environment consists of five fundamental beliefs:

• EDUCATION MUST BE RELEVANT TO STUDENT LIVES.
• EDUCATION MUST COMBINE SOUND THEORY AND HANDS-ON LEARNING.
• EDUCATION MUST BE INNOVATIVE AND REFLECT THE DYNAMICS OF LEARNING BY ENCOURAGING CRITICAL THINKING.
• APPLIED EDUCATION MUST BE COMPETENCY/STANDARDS BASE.
• TECHNOLOGY MUST BE SEAMLESSLY INTEGRATED INTO THE CURRICULUM

When these fundamental characteristics are incorporated into classrooms, students are encouraged to use their higher-order thinking skills, emphasizing the construction of knowledge rather than the reproduction of knowledge. I believe that a classroom is a place for students to be involved and discover things on their own, with the teacher acting as a facilitator to their discoveries. I want to empower my students with the skills necessary to live in the diverse, multicultural world in which we live. I believe that all students can learn and that it is my job as an educator to help each student realize and fulfill their potential. I feel that the best way for students to understand what they are learning is to be involved and have an opportunity to participate and be actively engaged in a student-centered learning environment.

I believe that the education system should follow the curriculum. It provides structure and resources for teachers across the state on what information needs to be covered in their classroom. Teachers can be creative with their instruction while following the curriculum. Following the curriculum will help prepare students for a successful life. Technology plays a significant role in today’s society; therefore, teachers and students must understand how to use the available resources. I believe that technology in education is a tool to use as any other tool in the classroom; it should not stand alone. Teachers should become proficient in the available technology and model proper use. The technology must enhance the learning experience and follow best practices.

Classroom management is an important aspect of the educational process. It depends on how skilled the teacher is to create an environment where appropriate enforcers exist that facilitate learning and establish acceptable behavior within the classroom. Having positive reinforcement will help students behave well toward one another, sit quietly and listen, and participate when needed. I believe in having a manageable classroom; first of all, the class needs to be structured. Meaning when the students enter the class, they know what is expected of them every day. Having an agenda or routine will help students understand their expectations, creating fewer behavior issues, and leave more room for learning.

Students of all ages should be encouraged daily to embrace the world around them. In doing so, they should want to gain new knowledge from that world. I would hope that all teachers would desire to create students who wish to learn for the sheer pleasure of learning itself. I once had a college professor who said that if one stops learning, they start dying. I did not understand that at the time; however, as a more mature individual, I have found that when I have been slack in my learning, it has seemed as if I did, in effect, lose some of my edges.

I believe it is the ultimate goal of teachers too; help create a safe learning environment, integrate technology into the curriculum, encourage students to develop into critical thinkers capable of becoming successful adults. When all of this happens, one can say the educational process has been a success.