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thinking in education john dewey
the philosophy of education
thinking in education john dewey
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Philosophy of Education I decided to become a teacher because when I was growing up, I watched a lot of teachers that would never take time to help those that needed it. There were times I was one of those students. I also love to help people and make a difference in their life. Therefore, I want to become a teacher. One of the philosophies I will use is progressivism. John Dewey, who was a social reformer with a background in philosophy and psychology, thought through active interplay with others, activities have meanings for us. I agree with the fact that a lot more students learn more and better when they are actually doing what they are taught. I am going to have students learn through social interaction. When putting students in a group with other students give them a chance to learn how to work with others, while completing a task. Also, taking them on field trips so that they will be able to see some of the things that they read about in their books up close and also learn even more about science. It is important to teach the students ...
I have not always wanted to be a teacher. Like so many people, I have changed my mind numerous times before I realized that teaching was the profession for me. I wanted to be a nurse for the excitement, and then I wanted to be a doctor for the money, then a veterinarian because I love animals, but I soon realized that I could incorporate the studies of each of these professions in my teaching. I also realized the science classes that I enjoyed in high school could make a great subject to teach as a career.
However, I cannot put my ideas into one philosophy. I feel that using many styles of teaching is better than just using one. Some students may learn better with one style of teaching while others may learn better with another. The teaching philosophies I can best relate to are realism, pragmatism, and idealism.
My philosophy of education and my personal goals and theories about how students are empowered through their educational experience revolve around the student-centered, interactive approach to instruction and learning. My goal as an educator is to create a learner-focused environment that promotes the basic literacy skills - reading, writing, listening, speaking and thinking. Children are readers, writers, and thinkers who need language to question and understand. They become members of literate communities using language in real ways for real purposes.
"I believe the children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way. Show them all the beauty they possess inside. Give them a sense of pride...These lyrics from "The Greatest Love of All" sung by Whitney Houston more than 15 years ago have become almost trite. However, in simplified terms those lyrics sum up my philosophical attitude toward teaching and clarify for me why I want to teach, specifically elementary education.
Forming a philosophy of education is not as simple as it might sound. In articulating my teaching philosophy, I assess and examine myself to identify the goals I wish to achieve and accomplish in teaching. It is important to possess a philosophy of education as it guides my instructional decisions and provides stability, continuity, and log-term guidance. I believe that the teaching philosophy represents a clear and distinctive organizing vision of why I am doing what I am doing. Developing a personal philosophy of education allowed you to increase your being professional by providing a concrete form of reference for reflection, although many years of experience in the fieldwork would definitely help you to improve and enhance your teaching skills. Hence, as an intern, I am embarking on an experience that could change my life. I am investing a lot of time and energy into completing my internship successfully. Part of this program consists also in asking myself a series of questions. For example, about how students learn best and what my goals for my students are. In short, that represents my philosophy of education.
For my students, I expect them to develop an understanding of knowledge. I believe in the principle of progressivism where education should be an on going and productive process. Therefore, I want my students to grasp this concept and always be willing to learn.
Norms and values are a reflection of society’s standards of behavior. Since society evolves from each generational perspective, the “norm” is continuously changing. As a result, the rising adults have a grave influence on how the world will evolve into the next generation. What we teach our students today will reflect the success of our future. How we, as teachers, get our messages across will definitely influence the student’s ability to apply that knowledge. From my experiences and what I have encountered I intend to incorporate the Pragmatic and Idealistic philosophies into my classroom, based on my predictions on how to be a successful teacher.
Becoming a teacher was not something I always knew I wanted. As I approached an age where I really started considering what I would like to do for a career I only knew that I did not want to work in an office behind a desk all day. I wanted a job that would be interactive, challenging and exciting. I also knew I wanted a job that would be important and would somehow contribute to the world in an important way. I thought being a teacher; particularly a teacher in the primary levels would fulfill those hopes and goals assuming I dedicate myself to becoming an effective teacher who has a positive influence on the lives of my students.
I believe that education is a tool used to shape the generations of tomorrow. I wanted to have a positive influence on the future, so I decided to become a teacher. Teaching is one of the most worthwhile and influential professions because teachers come in contact with a vast number of young people and have the ability to light their lives. These young people are the future.
Do you know your ABC’s, 123's, or how to read? If so, give thanks to the teachers you have had and Horace Mann for establishing what we now know as elementary schools, where the preceding is learned. Without my teachers, this paper would not be possible and it is a known fact that good teachers are few and far between. I hope to be an exceptional teacher that will not only influence the lives of my students but also be one that is willing to learn from my students. Times have changed and so has education. Some teachers just do the requirements set forth to them half-heartedly now and only teach because they have to pay their bills, perhaps they do not want to go back to school to learn a new trade. I, on the other hand, cannot wait to have my own classroom and be in charge of cultivating their young minds because teaching can be one of the most rewarding careers that one can choose. My goal is to not only know the subject area I will be teaching but also have a firm grasp on pedagogy to the utmost. It is mind boggling to know that I will be doing the same thing Plato, Socrates, and Aristotle once done, teach others.
I lean towards the philosophy of progressivism. It enables students to relate decision making, creative thinking, and projects to their studies. Children will think that material at school is genuine if they can connect it to real life. Kids need to be engaged in higher level thinking skills. Therefore, I am a strong proponent of cooperative groups and active learning. Progressivism not only focuses of children’s academic needs but also their interests.
Throughout our school years we are told to decide what we want to do with our lives. I have had a hard time deciding on the right career choice for myself. During my field placement I learned that I really want to make a difference in children’s lives. The enjoyment that one gets out of seeing the looks on their students faces is rewarding. I enjoyed working with the students and now I know that becoming a teacher is for me.
Why do I want to be a teacher? I have thought long and hard over that question, and my answer is “I don’t know.” My initial thought about going into teaching stemmed from my own experiences. When my son was in school, a teacher gave up on him and said, “he’ll be a dropout.” They will weed him out when he gets to high school. My son is now a junior at West Virginia University. I never want to see another kid be dropped through the cracks or weeded out, when he gets to high school. Children are our greatest assets. Teachers have an obligation to try every avenue with each student until they find one that works. I know that every time I walk into a classroom of students, I get a chill up my back. I feel like I am home. I am comfortable in a room full of children, waiting and wanting to learn. I feel that it is my responsibility to give them the best education I can provide.
When I was younger, all my friends wanted to be teachers. So, I decided at a very young age that I wanted to be a teacher too. As the years went on, I got more serious about actually being a teacher. Many people in my family have been teachers and I always thought it was something I would enjoy. Through being a junior leader in 4-H, I have had the opportunity to work with many young children. Every year at 4-H camp, I come home with a new little brother or sister. When I first wanted to be a teacher, I didn’t really think about what kind of teacher I wanted to be. Through many years of deliberation, deep thought, and exploring my options, I have narrowed down my profession to elementary education. I think that by being an elementary education teacher I will be living a fulfilling and worthwhile life. I feel that I can make a difference and help shape the lives of our youth.
Several experiences have influenced my philosophy of education. Some of these experiences have been good, others have not, but they have all proved invaluable in shaping my methods of teaching. As a non-traditional student, I have learned many lessons since being out in the “real world” that have changed my opinions about learning and teaching. I believe in Social Reconstructionism, Progressivism, and discipline in the classroom.