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My educational philosophy is
just beginning to be developed. I have taken a number of classes
focused on education and have studied several educational theorists.
Over the past two semester i have had a chance to observe in a couple
different classrooms, one third grade and one kindergarten. Now that i
can actually see some of what i have learned put to practice i am
beginning to develop a few beliefs about education.
One of my
beliefs is that every classroom should be a student-centered classroom.
I have learned a lot about the theories of Maria Montessori and a big
one is the need for studetn centered classrooms. All units and
classroom activitites should be based on what the students already know
and what they are interested in. This means that a teacher must get to
know each one of his/her students to find out that they want to know
more about. Also,according to Dewey, the students should have a say in
what books they read and what topics and activites that they will work
on. Besides the lessons and books, the environment should be centered
around the students as well. The furniture should be an appropraite
size for the students, the room should be comfortable as well as safe.
The room should be set up in a way that students can access things,
like games, books, workbooks, and activities, and also so that the
students can put them away when they are done.
Another belief
that i have is that students need time for reflection. Reflection is
necessary in order to retain what you have learned. Zull's book on
brain learning says that reflection takes place in a part of our brain
called the integrative cortex. Neuronal signals (connections) within
this cortex need time to get to where they are going, therefore it is
necessary to take time to reflect on what you have learned after the
fact. Our ideas need time to bounce are among the existing connections.
Lastly, i beleive that students learn better from doing rather
than from hearing. I have seen this in the classrooms in which i
observe. Students need hands-on activities to demonstrate different
concepts. Instead of just lecturing or telling the students, teachers
need to show that students what the topic is all about.
To conclude, i believe
that teachers have the duty to be positive role models for their
students. We know from the social learning theory that children are
taking in everything about their surrounding. When someone spends five
to six hours a day with students surrounding then, as teachers do, they
need to be sure that they are being the best citizen, teacher,
community member that they can be.
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Natasha Brewer
BREW4537@mail.plattsburgh.edu
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Plattsburgh
Last Update: February 5, 2008
© 2008 Natasha Brewer
