Philosophy of Education (Discipline Specific)



Philosophy of Education

Stage 2

A philosophy of education is a statement of belief concerning teaching and learning. Prospective employers want to know what the candidate believes about education, students, learning, and content since teaching behavior is a direct result of what the teacher essentially believes. The philosophy of education used in the Portfolio for Stage 2 and when applying for jobs must be a revised philosophy that demonstrates personal growth as well as educational philosophy concerning the specific teaching discipline. The preliminary philosophy of education written in The Teaching Profession for Stage 1 will no longer meet the demands of the review process. To update the philosophy of education, use the following guidelines:

Length

The philosophy should be approximately 3-5 pages double-spaced.

Hints for Content

Those who read the philosophy want to know the teacher’s personal beliefs (based on education and experience) about students, learning, teaching, curriculum, knowledge, and the learning environment. The length does not permit the writing of a detailed essay or research paper on philosophical theory. Since the philosophy covers several topics, it will need to be concise and straightforward. It can be in the form of a narrative essay. The voice of the individual should be heard, but remember the audience and write to them.

Below are questions that are usually addressed in the philosophy. Do not make the philosophy an “answer sheet” for these questions. Use the following only as suggestions for topics and questions to guide writing the philosophy. The order can also be changed.

• Beliefs concerning students

What is the role of the student as learner?

How do students learn best?

What rights do students have in the classroom?

What do students need from the teacher?

• Beliefs concerning learning

How does learning occur?

How can learning be assessed?

What feedback to learning should be given?

• Beliefs concerning teaching

What is the role of the teacher?

What should the teacher’s relation to the student be?

Do you have a metaphor for teaching?

What is effective teaching?

What evidence is produced when effective teaching has taken place?

• Beliefs concerning curriculum

What do you believe about the discipline you will teach?

What do you believe concerning “best practice” in your discipline?

What are important aspects of your subject?

What are the “best” teaching strategies to use in your discipline?

What do you believe about thematic unit? interdisciplinary units? use of the

classics? critical thinking? integrated curriculum?

• Beliefs concerning knowledge

What do you believe is the knowledge base or foundation for your discipline?

How is knowledge constructed?

What is the value of knowledge to students and society?

• Beliefs concerning the learning environment

What is the ideal classroom environment?

Will you use cooperative learning? competitive learning? individualized

learning? Individualized learning?

What are your beliefs concerning classroom management?

How will you address individuality and diversity in students?

Procedure

1. Read over your old philosophy. Make notes using this guide for additions. Strike out those points you do not want to use.

2. Jot down everything you want to say concerning your philosophical beliefs. How have your beliefs changed or grown through your course work and working with students in the field experience?

3. Now, examine and analyze your beliefs. Is everything consistent? Do you contradict yourself?

4. What theories have you cited? Reference the theorists by name. If you align your beliefs with one of the major theories, state which one and give reference.

5. Type your new philosophy. Do not worry about the length. Include everything you want to say concerning your philosophical beliefs.

6. Read through your new philosophy. You will probably need to edit. Use a highlighter and mark the essentials you want to keep.

7. Revise deleting all that was not highlighted. If it is still too long, repeat the process.

8. When you feel you have the essentials of your philosophy, revise by rewording sentences to make them clear and concise. If you need help at this point, see Dr. Young or go to the writing center.

9. When your philosophy says exactly what you want it to, revise your wording and sentence structure. Is it the best it can be?

10. Finally, edit for spelling and grammar.

11. Let a friend read your philosophy and tell you in his/her own works what you have said. This will let you know if you have communicated clearly and effectively. Let the friend mark any sections that are unclear. Do not let the friend make suggestions for what you should write. This is your philosophy!

12. Now, write a 100 - 200 word abstract that conveys the essence of your philosophy. This abstract will be what you include in job applications.

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download