Many educators have at some point had to define their philosophy of education. Whether it was for a Master’s class, or for a professional development directive, I think it important to, from time to time, define that which we stand for in education. I would go so far as to suggest that we as educators write a philosophy of education every year. As our personality and practice evolves, we, too, need to define that change regularly. Since it has been a while since I have written my philosophy of education, I humbly share it here. I encourage all others in education to do the same when the opportunity arises. I think it keeps us honest to our principles and profession.
I believe:
- That I am a crucial part of the educational environment in which my students learn. My actions, mood, and approach have great impact upon my students.
- That every student has a right to a supportive learning atmosphere regardless of personal background.
- That my role in education is isolated from a student’s parentage and home life. It is not the student’s fault whether there is parental support at home. This is not relevant to my role as the teacher.
- That I can improve my practice greatly by being connected to educators around the world, and that the best practices are being redefined by talented educators at all times.
- That my ability to stay current on society, technology, and the workforce will benefit my students.
- That my job is not 9-5, and that my responsibilities do not end at the end of the contract day.
- That I have the right to have my express opinions and criticisms of the educational institution, and that I have a key role in speaking up for students.
- That I have a responsibility to defend my profession and my students from politically-charged attacks.
- That students deserve tabula rasa in all interactions, as they are growing and building their principles. I understand that they may make mistakes as a part of growing up. These mistakes are learning experiences, not indications of a student’s true color.
- That I cannot stand for status quo in education, and must fight for constant improvement and evolution in my practice.
- That all of my students deserve a fair shake and respect in all interactions, as students, particularly teens, often mistake harsh criticism for dislike or disrespect. I will make a point to make sure criticism is specific and constructive.
- That I owe it to the profession to do all I can to improve myself, and share what I can with others in order to better the profession.
If you dare, please respond with your own philosophy.
CLOUDUCATION 
Tony,
I agree with all your beliefs. My driving philosophy is that my job is to teach people how to think and how to learn, not what to simply believe.
Doug
I’m not sure what I would add to that.
I fully agree with the philosophies you have stated and instill in your learners. I educate to influence change and allow my learners the opportunity to critically analyse what they learn and explore other ways of learning and also allow them to contribute towards their own learning and therefore shape their own future
very inspiring i aspire to be like you.
i too would be very happy to accept your challenge and reflect on my beliefs, I’m an IT lecture and sometime i find it had to relate my beliefs with the class room environment. but i wish to be.
humane and critical enough allow my classroom environment to be a place of learning not just to learn to program computer and indirectly program students but allow critical thinking so as to assist my students discover solutions for their own lives using technology and discover their own need for knowledge i wish to impart to them.
I agree with your first point, the reason being that students see teachers as role models and the way we act might have an influence on how they behave. Secondly, I disagree that the lecturer is isolated in education because sometimes students see us as a parent figure and we can assist them with their problems most of the time.
I definalty agree with most of your philosophical approach to teaching and learning.In my six years of teaching at a TVET college my philosophy in teaching has evolved over the years. This is influenced by the experience I have gained. To be specific it evolved from banking style of teaching to a more transfomstive pedagogy which has yielded positive results to my teaching and students at large.
Hi there Anthony
I agree 100% with your Philosophy of Education.
I think that all educators and teachers needs to aspire to practice with the same teaching principles that you have mentioned above, but just personalize it in their own teaching professions. My own teaching philosophy is to put my students first, understanding where they come from and considering my teaching values of (to name a few), integrity, respect, commitment, resilience, diversity and dedication etc. These values encourage both myself the educator and my students to always do our best and excelling in what we aspire to do or to be. The values in my teaching philosophy also makes me bare in mind that, I can also learn from my students, and not just them from me.
My Education Philosophy, I believe that education is an individual, unique experience for every student who enters a classroom. By providing a quality education to each individual in my classroom, as a teacher I equip my children with the tools necessary for success in life.
I agree with most of your beliefs but disagree with the fact that you state, “that my role in education is isolated from a student’s parentage and home life”. I believe that educators become caretakers because the well-being of students is a priority. This includes both the physical and emotional state of students. We as educators have to make sure that learners is equipped with the adequate tools and mentality to partake in teaching and learning. There needs to be an open teacher-learner relationship. Dialogue needs to take place fluently. Information is shared not channeled. Responsive education is taking place both parties giving their input. This leads to a free and safe teaching and learning environment. Students become robust, influential and self-sufficient. This will allow us to develop vocal students with a voice. The ones who will impact countries and the world.
As teachers we are expected to support our students and we must allow them to express themselves freely. That has an impact in their performance as well. In that they will turn to perform if they get enough support from their teachers. The way we do things as educators has to change, such our teaching methods. We need to use teaching methods that promotes critical thinking.
My role as an Educator in the TVET sector is of vital importance. I am constantly aware that I NOT only have a student in my classroom, but someone whose future is dependent on how I present myself, as well as topics for discussion. I have the responsibility, and am compelled to mould the student’s minds and thinking process. Positive growth can only be enhanced if I allow students, in my classroom, to feel free to express their views, and encourage dialogue. Bringing the world into my classroom is imperative, when I share actual scenarios from the Automotive Industry, where I come from. Thus encouraging students to “THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX” and give them a glimpse of reality and actual working environments that they might one day be exposed too. Problem solving is one of my principals, and I thus like and continuously use the Progressive approach, in my classroom.