Philosophy

For my ideal classroom I picture a classroom where all the students are comfortable, at ease, eager to learn, and having fun all at the same time. I want the students in my classroom to feel like they are an important part of a group reaching a goal together.

In order to achieve this I hope to teach students how to respect everyone in the class and the ideas that they bring. I hope to reach out to each student so that they know they are a special and an important part of the classroom by allowing them to speak and interact as much as possible. I will provide students with an active and engaged learning environment. I want students to come class excited and wondering what they might do today because each day is a different learning experience.  With these thoughts I feel I identify mostly with the Constructivism views.  I also want students to have as many " real experiences" in learning as possible.  I believe that we learn the best from doing and seeing.  I also feel that taking those experiences and analyzing them and discussing them with others provides a more lasting experience that will stick with students.  If they have an “ah-ha” moment they will remember it far better than memorization.

I also agree with some areas of the Pragmatism school of thought, which surprised me.  I know that each student is individual with different needs and learning abilities. I will spend time learning my students and their needs so that I can provide the best learning environment for the students within the class.  Students are always changing each year so I like the idea of a diverse curriculum as this school of thought states.  I think that children are on such different levels and learn in different ways that a diverse curriculum would be beneficial to all students.  I would like to have a curriculum that is free take the content and alter the teaching method to fit the group of students at that time.  Because “the only thing that stays the same is everything changes.” (T.Lawrence)  .  I hope to learn and use technology to informate as many opportunities for active and diverse learning in the classroom.