Teaching philosophy— (mid-term draft)



Teaching Philosophy

What is a teaching philosophy?

A teaching philosophy is a 2-3 page statement about your general philosophy and approach to TESOL. It will introduce you as a teacher to anyone who doesn't know you. After reading a philosophy, a stranger should be able to picture the type of ESL/EFL teacher you would be.

Basic format:

-Position, method or approach—implication or example.

Ex: “I use communicative teaching methods in my classroom. Students participate in activities which encourage them to produce language in authentic contexts. For example, I find that students become better at using the conditional in English when they write ‘letters to the editor’ about topics they care about.”

Note: Good teaching philosophies are HARD to write. Do not be discouraged if you find it awkward to say what you mean. It will take several drafts to get a version you are happy with. All professors have to write them for the Dept. of English and Philosophy each year, and I struggle with it each time.

Some Suggestions:

Don’t make "obvious statements" without stating what this means for your teaching.

Ex. Communicative competence is very important. (no example or explanation follows)

Don’t make a controversial statement unintentionally. (That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take a stand—just be ready to justify your position).

Ex. Grammar should not be explicitly taught. (so what should be done?)

What students want is most important. (more important that anything else?)

Don’t state negative things,

Ex. “Although a lot of people don't like to use this method…”

Don’t get into meta-commentary in intros and conclusions.

Ex. Don’t talk about the fact “my teaching philosophy will…” Just start with a characterizing statement.

Don’t use "you" and "we" (or "one" or "people"). Say "I"—this is your statement

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