Teaching Philosophy

My teaching philosophy would be that educators treat their pupils as if they were their own children. If teachers loved their students as parents, they would be able to give them an excellent education because they would want them to have the best. Teachers like this are more passionate about their job because the students turn into a part of their life; a part of their family. This idea of mine, of treasuring each student, can be done by using or taking into consideration three methods or teaching philosophies. It would be a mix of Behaviorism, Constructivism and Humanism. I would blend these three methods together to create an eclectic classroom.

I would use Behaviorism in a positive way. It would be by giving the students positive feedback and rewards when they’ve done positive things. For example, if they have good conduct, help out in class or simply improve their grades the teacher can reward them with a sticker, applause or even just a smile or pat on the back. These things will reinsure our relationship with the student and they’ll feel special and appreciated and, they will realize their effort is valued and recognized. Sometimes students just need a little push or reinforcement to get them motivated to learn and behaviorism is all about that.

Students shouldn’t feel like prisoners in the class and learning should be a way of students freeing themselves because they’re becoming knowledgeable. With a Constructivist approach, students have to think critically and build their own knowledge. Teachers have to empower their students and let them realize that teachers are facilitators rather than dictators. Once students realize teachers aren’t there to torture them but are there to help, they will feel more comfortable and that will boost their self-esteem and motivation can become intrinsic.

Students must be treated as equals and should be loved as I said beforehand and I think my whole teaching philosophy can be summed up by the Humanist Psychology of Carl Roger. In Humanism, the student is the center and the teacher is a guide that must build a relationship with the student. Like Constructivism, Humanism emphasizes on empowering the students and letting them negotiate the outcome of the teaching process. It’s about giving students more rights in the class so that there learning is more meaningful to them. What I really like about Humanism is that it focuses on ‘humanizing’ the student through education.

Overall, the best way to teach is to realize the student’s individuality and that they are human beings that will play a role in the future. We should love our students because the classroom is like one big family where you learn rules, how to live with others, you learn from your mistakes, you grow and have experiences, but it's also a place where you share lots of love.