My philosophy of teaching
As I pause to reflect on teaching, I am reminded of a quotation from the heart of teacher identity and
integrity: "Good teachers join themselves, their subjects, and their learners in the fabric of life because
they teach from an integral and undivided self: they manifest in their own lives and evoke in their
learners a capacity for connectedness.
My philosophy of teaching is deeply embedded in the view that "teachers shape the world" and the
ultimate goal of effectively teaching all my learners and instilling in them a love for learning and the
desire to be lifelong learners. To achieve the goal of becoming an effective teacher, teaching learners,
and ensuring that learning takes place, I will outline a few guiding principles that embody my philosophy
and that will be the benchmark for my success in teaching.
I know the subject that I teach.
I strongly believe that to effectively teach my students so that they can become problem solvers and
critical thinkers, knowing my subject area is critical. It is my sole aim to possess mastery of my content
area, its construction, and how I intend to organize it to teach my students, evoking in them a passion
for learning and interest. I will also endeavor to keep abreast of new knowledge and developments in
my area of specialization using technology and other sources of information. I will use my knowledge of
my subject area to expose my students to the modes of critical thinking, encouraging them to analyze,
apply, synthesize, and evaluate what they will learn. I will also engage in reflection and action research
to evaluate the impact of my instructional strategy in teaching.
I know my students and how they learn.
The good teacher knows and understands students and how they develop and learn." I strongly believe
that children are not passive receivers of information, but they learn best when they are actively
involved in their learning. This correlates with the Chinese proverb "Tell me and I'll forget; show me and
I may remember; involve me and I'll understand." I am cognizant of the fact that students are active
constructors of knowledge based both on past experiences and prior learning. Students don’t all learn
the same way or at the same rate. I therefore assume the role of familiarizing myself with my student's
interests, abilities, and prior knowledge. I will then plan learning and instructional materials that will
evoke critical thinking and learning. It is of critical importance that I understand and acquire knowledge
of how my students learn. I will also try to identify learning needs and plan and implement instructions
to meet the diverse learning needs of students.
Sharpen my teaching and professional skills.
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 myself through
research and inquiries, ensuring that the knowledge I impart to my students is precise, meaningful, and
inclusive. It is also my belief that, in order to become an effective educator, I will have to seek out and
pursue opportunities for improving my 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 (by asking open-ended questions to engender critical thinking), work
collaboratively and cooperatively, and be good team players in the classroom setting.
My philosophy of teaching has changed a lot since taking the course and 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.