Teaching Learning Philosophy
Teaching Learning Philosophy
Teaching Learning Philosophy
I.
INTRODUCTION
II.
CONTENTS
To be a teacher, I believe that reflection and action research are ongoing factors in
sharpening my level of professionalism and quality in teaching. It is my intention to
continue improving my best through research and inquiries ensuring that the knowledge I
impart to my student is precise, meaningful and inclusive. It is also my belief that in
becoming an effective educator, I will have to seek out and pursue opportunities for
improving mastery of my content and methodology.
Facilitate learning
I will endeavor to be a facilitator of learning in my classroom. As a facilitator, I will try to
create opportunities for my students to learn. I will guide my students learning in order
for them to make their own discoveries and construct their own meanings. The
constructivist model of learning is one I endorse, as I strongly believe that students learn
best when they are actively involved in their learning. I believe the role of the learner is
to learn, collaborate and be a team player. I am also cognizant of the fact that learning
takes place through social interaction, therefore, I will structure teaching so that learners
are actively involved ( asking open-ended question to engender critical thinking), work
collaboratively and cooperatively and be a good team player in the classroom setting
My philosophy of teaching has changed a lot having done the course understanding the
learner. I am now more understanding, appreciative and knowledgeable of the ways
children grow and develop the varying needs of exceptional children and my role as a
teacher in facilitating learning.
My philosophy will continue to guide me throughout this noble profession
My Learning & Teaching Philosophy
I F A& MHicks
ILIA
punishment can either increase or decrease good and bad behaviourM(Greene
1984).
Behaviourism appeals to my teaching philosophy which is basically teacheroriented but both in pedagogy [child learning] and andragogy [adult learning]
(computers).
As information processors, students actively explore and process information as
they receive it as compared to the passive perspective of the behaviourist perspective
(Bell 2010).
I also subscribe to the theory of cognitivism as a learning theory which opens
up the black box of the mind and regards students/learners as information
processers (computers).
As information processors, students actively explore and process information
as they receive it as compared to the passive perspective of the behaviourist
social situations through interaction and association (Curzon & Tummons 2013).
This approach assumes that great and long lasting memory in students
motivate students to achieve their own educational goals (Elias & Merriam 1995).
Drawing from the wisdom of Knowles, I seek to empower students to be creative
and draw from their lifes experiences and not just be passive recipients of
knowledge.
I also have a disposition for situated learning which occurs in communities of
1998).
Novices begin from the outskirts of the group until they become experts in
their own right through involvement (Lave 1991).
students learning process (King 1993). Good teachers are not only teachers
perse but facilitators of the learning process.
A teacher tells, a facilitator asks; a teacher lectures from the front, a facilitator
supports from behind; a teacher gives answers according to a set curriculum, a
facilitator fosters a conducive learning environment for learners to arrive at
their own conclusions; a teacher gives a monologue, a facilitator creates dialogue
with the learners (Naomi & Githua 2013).
I agree with the learning theorist John Dewey (1859-1952) who believed that
effective learning is a result of four components namely aims, the teacher, the
learner and a relevant curriculum (Eisner 1983).
In covering course material, it is always essential to begin from the known to the
unknown as espoused by David Ausubel - 1918-2008 (Novak, 1998) and to
employ the Vygoskian concepts of Zonal of Proximity (ZPD the difference
between what students can do alone and with my assistance or that of peers the
More Knowlegable Other (MKO) concept and scaffolding - a skill of instructing
leaners to absorb new information in a progressive manner (Mcleod 2007).
I strongly agree with Nikos Kazantzakis who says that an ideal teacher is one
who uses himself as a bridge over which he/she invites his students to cross, after
having facilitated their crossing, he joyfully collapses while encouraging his
learners to create bridges of their own (Kean & Embi 2011).
As proposed by Abraham Maslow, students basic needs (eg food, safety, respect,
love) should be taken care of first before meeting their high level needs (eg selfesteem, fulfilment, self-respect etc) (Oxford & Shearin 1994).
III.
Conclusion
IV.
INSIGHTS
As a contemporary teacher, it is imperative to appreciate how teaching styles
have evolved over the years through formulation of various theories.
Students need to actively engage in information through a critical reflection
of the information instead of sticking to the traditional method of learning by
rote. Learners should be able to think critically and process information by
opening up the black box of their mind.
My lesson plans will be well prepared and will have clear aims, objectives,
and relevant teaching methods, innovative web based technologies and
strategies which engage learners in the learning process.
V.
REFERENCE
Biggs, J. (1999). What the student does: teaching for enhanced learning. Higher
Education Research & Development, 18(1), 57-75.
King, A., (1993). From Sage on the Stage to Guide on the Side. College Teaching,
Vol. 41, pp30-35
Kean, A. C., & Embi, M. A. (2011). Using active engagement strategy to promote
learning awareness and self-monitoring. International Journal of Learning and
Development, 1(1), Pages-91.
Knowles, M., Holton, E., Swanson, R. (2011). The adult learner: The definitive
classic in adult education and human resource development (7th ed.). Oxford, UK:
Elsevier. Knowles Malcolm (1913- 1997)