Philosophy

I believe the most valuable thing we can learn is how to progress and become a contributing member of society. We learn where we have been and where we can go. We learn in order to improve and move forward. Without knowledge, we will never progress. Education motivates us to be better than we currently are, or have ever been. In science, theories are being disproven or improved upon every day, because education encourages us to find answers, explore the unknown and have a desire to comprehend what we do not understand. And it is important to remember, education is not limited to a classroom. Being educated to buckle our seatbelts, recycle, and eat properly are measures we have learned and applied to better ourselves and our world. Education motivates us to aspire to achieve the full extent of our capabilities. With educational research, we have found cures to diseases that once would have become fatal epidemics. Education has enabled us to advance into the world we now live in, and creates endless possibilities for our future.

        Research has proven children learn through three styles: auditory, visual, and kinesthetic. Auditory learners comprehend best by hearing the information. Visual students learn most effectively by seeing the information. And children who are kinesthetic learners, understand best with hands on activities. Many children crossover between two, or sometimes all three methods; however, there is usually a stronger draw to one of the styles that is the best method for the student. Not only are their many scientific studies on how information is best received, but I also know from personal experience that I learn most efficiently as a kinesthetic learner, while my brother is a strong auditory learner. I have personally struggled with certain concepts in school when presented in an auditory manner, though once I am able to participate in a hands on activity, I can grasp the concept much easier. In an attempt to meet each group’s needs, it is encouraged that all methods be included when teaching a new concept. Repetition of the concept through different methods will also help children internalize the information and understand the idea more fully.

        Teaching a foundation is vital to a child’s education. It is more important to teach deeper thinking and be able to fully explore a concept, than to just scratch the surface of an abundance of topics. As the child’s education advances, he or she will be able to build on the idea’s that they have learned. This allows for a stronger and deeper understanding, opposed to a wide and less rooted education. How a student is taught is equally as important as what he or she is taught. I believe the most effective way of teaching, is to personalize lessons as much as possible to meet the needs of the child. In a classroom setting, each child is at a different level. The most efficient way to meet this challenge is with differentiated instruction. While this can be more difficult for the teacher, it is much more beneficial for students. Differentiated instruction allows for each child to receive lessons focused on meeting them on their level. This helps to eliminate teaching above a child’s understanding and discouraging them, or teaching below a child’s knowledge level and boring them. Being able to meet each child’s needs is the most effective way to teach children.

        Patience, understanding, care, and a positive attitude are a few of the most crucial qualities a teacher needs to possess. From my experience in working with children, I have learned children respond much better to encouragement and positive praise, opposed to being discouraged and punished. While punishment is sometimes necessary, it is better to attempt to discourage the behavior and not the child. Having patience with children can sometimes be challenging, but a patient teacher will gain greater respect and exemplify a caring attitude. For children, knowing they are cared about can influence their outlook on education and learning for the rest of their lives.