Today in class we took a test to find out what style of philosophy we are most associated with, and I found out I am an existentialist. I believe that schools are supposed to be a place where students learn how to be self-sufficient and take responsibility for their own actions and their own choices. As a teacher, I strive to teach my students that school is not a place where they go to learn, but a place where they discover how to learn so they can better understand the world around them and become lifelong learners finding new information in everything around them. I am a firm believer in student-centered curriculum, because it allows students to take ownership of their learning, apply new found discoveries to their own life and find purpose in the information that they have been forced to accept for years. Teachers need to be aware of their students' feelings and emotions, because whether educators want to accept it or not, these feelings affect how students learn. I know that students can be responsible for their own learning if we give them the resources and support to help them; I have to be a role model for my students, and should be their best and most reliable resource. Any one who knows me will tell you that I am enthusiastic, imaginative and insightful--these are three important qualities of an existentialist teacher.
My second closest style was Pragmatism. Again, my student-centered philosophy is one main reason I have fallen into this category: A pragmatic teacher believes that students learn through experience and experimentation. Experiential education is one of the most powerful, if not the best, methods of teaching; whenever I am teaching students I strive to create interpersonal, hands-on and multi-disciplinary activities. Learning is a personal commitment to oneself and experiential education can help students apply themselves to their discoveries, have higher instances of intrinsic motivation and be more involved both with their peers and in the classroom. A student's best method of learning is always their personal experiences and the unique perspectives they bring to the table and are able to share with others. Additionally, my math background has influenced my pragmatic personality and led me to embrace hands-on learning and experience over lecture and discussion. In my classroom, collaborative learning and interdisciplinary approach is of the utmost importance because it allows students to think beyond the preconceived borders many people put between the subjects and curriculum. Education can be a shared experience between students, but as a teacher I have to make sure I model this for my students and give them the chance to evolve in my classroom.
My second closest style was Pragmatism. Again, my student-centered philosophy is one main reason I have fallen into this category: A pragmatic teacher believes that students learn through experience and experimentation. Experiential education is one of the most powerful, if not the best, methods of teaching; whenever I am teaching students I strive to create interpersonal, hands-on and multi-disciplinary activities. Learning is a personal commitment to oneself and experiential education can help students apply themselves to their discoveries, have higher instances of intrinsic motivation and be more involved both with their peers and in the classroom. A student's best method of learning is always their personal experiences and the unique perspectives they bring to the table and are able to share with others. Additionally, my math background has influenced my pragmatic personality and led me to embrace hands-on learning and experience over lecture and discussion. In my classroom, collaborative learning and interdisciplinary approach is of the utmost importance because it allows students to think beyond the preconceived borders many people put between the subjects and curriculum. Education can be a shared experience between students, but as a teacher I have to make sure I model this for my students and give them the chance to evolve in my classroom.
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