Running head: EDUCATIONAL STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY
Educational Statement of Philosophy
for a Social Science Teacher
Charity Miller
University of Montevallo
ED 502
Thornbrough
Summer I 2011
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EDUCATIONAL STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY
Abstract
This is an Educational Statement of Philosophy. It is to provide the reader with my beliefs and
actions at this time. I hope to accomplish the thoughts and processes of a well rounded teaching
style. I believe, Therefore I will strive to, will be the format for the statement. These beliefs and
actions are of my own personal thoughts, research, and education.
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EDUCATIONAL STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY
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I. How does the practitioner view the learner and the learning process?
I believe that students should play an active role in their learning process.
Therefore, I will strive to apply assignments to their curriculum to enable that active role.
I will ask leading questions that will require the students to think and answer with their own
worldly knowledge. I will assign critical thinking lessons from both my textbook and my own
knowledge to foster an independent thought process and reasoning.
I believe that a flexible room is beneficial to students learning, especially males.
Therefore, I will strive to arrange my room in small group assignments with a fair amount
of time during assignments to move from group to group for and to help. This method allows for
peer tutoring to foster. It also allows for the students to feel more comfortable asking questions
of other students and myself.
II. How does the practitioner view and treat subject matter?
I believe that social science is a Structured, Open, and Meaningful experience.
Therefore, I will strive to plan ahead. I will also allow for group discussion and
questions. Being Open means that the students can explore the subject on their own or as a
group. History is also meaningful, I will strive to help students discover the lessons it holds,
apply them to their lives, and consider their function. Among these aspects the students will also
incorporate math and writing skills, thus allowing a cross curriculum experience.
I believe that social science is also Fixed and Orderly.
Therefore, I will strive to allow the students to gain the knowledge of the subject
through the research methods provided with technology and media centers. The students will
have little memorization assignments; sequences and speeches.
III. How does the practitioner view the curriculum?
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I believe that the social sciences are established and evolving.
Therefore, I will strive to teach my students the best way to learn from the
curriculum. I will use hands on methods of teaching allowing the students to “interview”
historical characters, write newspaper articles of events, tell what life is like then, and write their
own study guides in groups where collaboration is key.
I believe that the social sciences can be taught with enthusiasm and interest.
Therefore, I will keep my students on task while still allowing the interest in the topic
at hand to shine through. I will also keep evolving as a teacher to connect the theme, problem,
issue, assignment to the students present everyday life.
IV. What methods of teaching does the practitioner employ?
I believe that my classroom should be more heavily Student-Directed with occasional
Teacher-Directed mini-lessons.
Therefore, I will strive to allow the students to experiment, think, conceptualize, and
inquire about all topics without fear of ridicule or failure. Students may ask questions, add
thoughts, ideas, and comments at anytime to further the classroom discussion.
I believe that the social sciences are fun and can be learned with a lot less note
taking.
Therefore, I will strive to lecture less and allow students to discover the joy of
learning something new on their own. That feeling that you get when you discover that one thing
you have been searching for and you did it on your own. I want my students to feel that joy as
much as possible. Therefore, I will point them in the right direction, answer questions, and praise
them along their journey.
V. How would you describe the teacher in terms of general “world view” or perspective on
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schooling and the classroom?
I believe that a non-authoritarian approach is better in the classroom environment I
want to facilitate.
Therefore, I will strive to center my classroom around the students needs. Keeping
it a casual, unstructured environment with enough planning to redirect the class if the need
should arise. I want to allow creativity, fun, innovation, and acceptance in my classroom. I want
the students to learn by doing.
Lastly, I believe that teaching is for those who enjoy the age group they are with, the
subject, and the knowledge they give their students.
Therefore, I will strive to be that teacher. I have decided I like teenagers and social
science. I have also discovered the knowledge and I am ready to share.