Philosophy of Education
My philosophy of education is that all students possess the capacity and desire to learn. Unfortunately, this inherent gift has been silenced in many of our students. It is our responsibility as educators to reawaken and maintain the drive to learn. First, we must provide an opportunity for students to receive all that we have to teach and share. This is accomplished by creating classroom environments that are truly conducive to the process of education. It is within this structure that we can begin cultivating and nourishing this instinct buried within each pupil. If we adhere to these principles, we will allow our students to recognize their individual potential.
Humans like animals are born with a variety of instincts. Our instincts are designed with the sole intent of increasing the chances of our survival. We have instincts that remind us to eat, sleep, and reproduce. Like a flame that must be fed, these inborn mechanisms must be satisfied. Luckily, all people share an instinct that encourages them to learn about the world around them. It is this drive that we seek to reach through the educational process. Unfortunately, this particular desire is very fragile. It is easily damaged by a number of negative influences found in the lives of our students. Yet, given the right conditions this flame can be maintained and even rekindled.
In nature, our actions are governed by the pain or pleasure principle. Simply, those actions that produce pleasure we tend to repeat and those that produce pain are avoided. Our classrooms must reflect this principle if we hope to use it to encourage the natural phenomena of learning. Therefore, all students must be sheltered from the painful experiences of hostility, intimidation, and humiliation. As these negative influences must be in short supply, rewards must be bountiful and attainable. Additionally, the classroom environment must be clearly structured. No individual can thrive in an environment in which they do not clearly understand the rules that govern that system. Thanks to nature, giving students a fertile and protected environment is half the battle.
With the proper climate established in the classroom, teachers must then focus on stimulating the academic growth of each individual. We must find a way to present our lessons in a manner in which the essential material can be easily assimilated. This is best accomplished by stimulating interest in the subject matter. It is our job as educators to not just present information, but to make it accessible, usable and enjoyable. There are no exceptions to this rule. When it is executed correctly, there is no limit to what a student may learn.
My philosophy of education is based upon a respect and understanding of nature. As teachers, we need to stop looking for things that are not hidden. There is no need to create something in our students that is already there. All students possess an inherent ability and desire to learn. When we respect what is natural and effortless, we find that frustration is quickly replaced by satisfaction and ignorance is replaced by knowledge. As knowledge is the goal of education, we will have succeeded as teachers.