Philosophy of Education

     During my college career at Appalachian State University, I have had exposure to many different theories involving education.  My philosophy of education has been influenced by many of my professors.  I was privileged to have professors who modeled certain theories for me to see.  The Constructivist approach was used in some of my classes at Appalachian State University.  I liked this approach, but there were certain times that I could see the benefits of other approaches.  After spending some time in an elementary classroom, I learned more about my philosophy of education.  I can see the importance of motivation in the classroom.  If the students are not motivated, then they will not learn the concepts that I will be teaching them.  I am responsible for motivating myself and my students, which will create an enriched and successful environment for learning.  I have developed my own philosophy of education from theories and watching students in the classroom.
     I believe that all students should be taught on their instructional level.  This level can be determined through my assessment of a student.  I would determine a student’s reading level by looking at the student’s IRI score, WRI score, and a spelling assessment.  Students will become better readers by reading books that are on their instructional level.  If a student is placed on a frustration level, then he or she will not progress in a subject area.  Students do not learn on a frustration level, and by assessing students, I will be able to help them progress in a subject area.
     I believe that children should construct their own knowledge to develop a true understanding of a subject.  I will provide hands-on activities to give children concrete experiences.  For example, I will use manipulatives during math lessons to give students a visual representation.  I want to promote learning and understanding instead of rote memorization of facts.  I want my students to develop effective strategies that will make them successful students.  Students will develop their own strategies, and I will help them construct the strategies.
    Due to diverse learning styles present in a classroom, I will give students opportunities to work in groups and individually.  The students will work in groups to promote cooperation in the classroom.  I will give individual assignments, which will be appealing to students who prefer to work alone.  This will give students an opportunity to learn in ways that they find most beneficial to them.  I believe that working in groups can help students develop a deeper understanding of a subject matter.
I plan to incorporate technology into my curriculum.  Technology is very important everyone’s future, and especially to children.  I will have students publish their work using a computer.  The computer can be used for drill and practice, but also to introduce students to new concepts.  The computer will help students develop skills for my class, and skills that will help them be successful adults.  I will help students learn how to find appropriate and useful information on the Internet.  I believe the Internet is a great resource for students.  They have a wealth of information at their fingertips.  However, the Internet contains information that is inappropriate for children to view.  I believe that informing children of the dangers of the Internet is important.  The Internet is a valuable resource for students in the classroom.
    My philosophy of education will be child centered.  I believe every child is entitled to a quality education.  I plan to provide this in my classroom by using several teaching methods.  I want to display student work in my classroom to show my students that their work is important to me.  Students will be involved in active thinking that will help them develop into successful adults.  Every student has a special gift, and I plan to find that gift.