There are many educational philosophies that determine which teaching instruction and school curriculum
you use. These include: perennialism, idealism, realism, experimentalism, existentialism (UOP, 2002), essentialism, progressivism, and behaviorism (Shaw, n.d). Effective teaching may be
classified as transmission, apprenticeship, developmental, nurturing, and social reform (Pratt, & Collins, 2001). Many of these schools of thought reflect my own personal educational
philosophy (see figure 1) and my instructional practices and choice of classroom curriculum. This paper is a reflection of my personal educational philosophy and teaching ideas.
When I was in grade eight I took part in a public speaking essay contest
at Humewood Public School in Toronto, Ontario. Each candidate had to go
from class to class and speak. The students nominated and
later voted for the best speech. I came in third. My topic was the value of education. I was petrified as I spoke in front of the whole school on parents'
night but was determined to make my points heard. Two years later I started reading books by Jean Paul Sartre and other existentialist writers. I never intended to go into teaching
but circumstances changed that. My move to the Middle East brought me into the classroom
by chance. I volunteered to teach by substituting at a public school where I was needed. Once again my ideas of what education should be came back as I stood in front of my students. I have been teaching for over 30
years. My philosophy of education has remained existentialist with a combination of experimentalism and a great deal of nurturing (see Appendix, figure 2).
Although I scored slightly higher for experimentalism (see Appendix, figure 1) on "Philosophy Preference
Assessment" found in Section One of Foundations of Curriculum and Instruction (UOP, 2002, p. 48), I consider myself both an existentialist and an experimentalist. I think they
complement each other. Experimentalism views "the world as an ever-changing place [where] reality is what is actually experienced and change is openly accepted" (UOP, 2002, p. 48). The
curriculum focuses on social change and values. Teachers guide learners to solve problems as they discover and experience the world in which they live (48). I believe that personal growth
and individual development will lead to "new ways to expand and improve society" (48). This is an existentialist idea of subjectivity with an experimentalist view of society. "The
existentialist sees the world in terms of personal subjectivity; goodness, truth, and reality are individually defined … goodness [being] a matter of freedom" (48). The individual precedes
society.
I think we should concentrate both on personal growth and on society. I believe in learning about society and our
place in it so that we can change what needs improvement for the sake of progress and the individual. The individual can help change society by first becoming good and learning about moral
behavior. Respect and tolerance is the first step in that direction. A teacher's caring and nurturing attitude will aid students as they learn to respect and tolerate each other.
I respect my students and try to model my beliefs. I value learning and still get excited from teaching. Every
single day is new. Nothing is repeated as I observe my students. They do not remain the same. I have them in mind as I enter the classroom. I view them as I contemplate on the lesson planned
and the "outcome desires" (Wiggins & McTighe2004). I interact with my students as I assist them "in their personal learning" (UOP, 2002, p. 48). My students and I determine which way the
lesson will go. I prepare a guideline but I am flexible in my approach.
I view the curriculum as a process (Smith, 2000) and not as an end product. I teach a communicative subject:
English as a second language which makes things much easier for me. I help my students grasp the idea that I cannot teach English but that they can learn it. I present myself as a
facilitator and not as a teacher. There is no real material to cover but there are techniques and skills that need development such as reading and writing strategies. I help my students
understand the importance of feelings within the process of learning. How they feel about their progress and learning is very important. Many learners feel frustrated about their grades and
need to express these feelings so that they can overcome such obstacles and improve their grades. It is important to discuss these issues in class and share them
with others. In most cases
students are amazed that their peers feel the same.
Education is a value. I learn with and from my students. That's what makes teaching exciting for me. It is an
ongoing process of learning. I do not consider myself the sole provider of information. I integrate technology into my classrooms. I teach my students how to use information as a means and not
an end. They learn to solve both social and personal problems with facts.
I teach
by conversation as I encourage my students to participate and share their ideas with their peers. I think
it is very important for learners to express themselves to others in order to grow and develop. I use many supportive and inviting words to facilitate my students as they struggle to open up
and express their views. It is not easy for them to organize and share their ideas and feelings with their classmates. I believe in discussions. I think they help develop better
understanding on how to cope with difficulties and discomfort. Learning about the self is what I strive for in my classes. I believe each of us has many selves that we need to learn about so
we can utilize each to help us solve problems and cope with the day to day living. My experiences as a "Pairs" (Pairs Foundation, 2004) marriage facilitator have helped me understand the
importance of personal development and have given me tools to use in my classes.
My past readings and teaching experiences have strengthened my personal philosophy of education. I have not swayed
from my original grade eight ideas on the value of education. I am just as determined as I was then to make my views on education heard. I am very enthusiastic about my teaching as I guide
my students and myself on the journey to self development and growth.
