Sandra Harris
September 20, 2012
EDU 2823
Behavior & Classroom Management
Fall 2012
Philosophy of Education
In life, each person has his or her own philosophy of life that is shaped by many factors,
such as, environment, parents, peers, religious leaders, and teachers. One major question that
is often brought to light in one’s philosophy might be, “What is my purpose in life?” This
question causes people to assess their meaning in life and answer some basic questions about
their ideas and beliefs. Also, it is where a philosophy of education stems from. As a teacher, one
must have a philosophy of education, which includes some basic decisions about his or her
teaching methods. There are several methods that each teacher believes are the better way to
teach; however, each educator must decide what works best for the students.
One of the most significant questions presented in deciding a philosophy of education
would be, “What is the role of the teacher?” This pre-teacher believes the role of the teacher is
to be the authority figure in the educational setting. The teacher is the person that knows what
the students need to learn, so he or she must have a solid knowledge of the material being
taught. The teacher must never stop learning because education is an ever-growing field. The
teacher must be able to capture and hold the attention of his or her students, while staying in
control as the authority figure. Also, it is believed that teacher-based models of learning are
one the greatest ways to scaffold for students, a skilled teacher must recognize an opportunity
to step back and allow independence. More so, a skilled teacher can allow that independence
in learning, while remaining in control of the educational process. Modern techniques show
teachers that it is good for students to be active in their own learning. This means that a
Sandra Harris
September 20, 2012
EDU 2823
Behavior & Classroom Management
Fall 2012
teacher needs to include time for hands-on activities and projects, such as, learning centers and
thematic units. Also, including one’s students in major decision making processes is a very
important part of teacher’s role.
Another important question that needs to be asked is, “What is the best method for a
teacher to use?” Each educator is different in many ways, so each teacher must decide which
method works best for oneself. This pre-service teacher believes that a teacher-centered
method is ideal for transfer of knowledge. This method includes discussion, lecture, and drill;
however, the teacher must make it meaningful and fun. Using a teacher-centered model means
that in order for discipline to be effective, the teacher must establish a clear definition of the
rules and consequences from the very beginning. Also, having a routine that is followed is a key
aspect for remaining faithful to the rules that are set. In order for the rules to be effective, the
teacher must possess an “I mean business” policy, which leads to the most important skill that a
teacher should have. The most important teacher-based skill that an educator can possess is
withitness. This means that a teacher must know what is happening with his or her students all
the time by constantly watching and staying focused. The pre-service teacher favors the Kounin
Model of Discipline because it involves withitness and organization. Both of these are key
aspects of controlling a classroom for educational purposes. Withitness and organization can
create a learning atmosphere in which the students realize the teacher notices and cares about
what is going on.
The greatest thing about favoring the Kounin Model would be that it can easily have a
shifting orientation because withitness and organization can make any method of teaching run
Sandra Harris
September 20, 2012
EDU 2823
Behavior & Classroom Management
Fall 2012
more efficiently. It is believed that although a teacher- centered classroom can be most
successful in many cases, certain groups of students are going to thrive more efficiently under
either a student-centered or teacher-student-centered classroom. Due to the changing of
times, a skilled teacher knows that each group of students will be different. This means that a
teacher should possess a mindset that is open and ready to change teaching methods.
Most importantly, in order for any philosophy to succeed, the teacher must get to know
his or students. Understanding and realizing that the teacher cares about you is the most
important connection a child can make in school. By using withitness, the absolute greatest
thing a teacher can do is to care about his or her students. The next greatest thing is helping
them learn and grow by maintaining an organized classroom and schedule that can be the safe,
stable environment that so many children lack.
Sandra Harris
September 20, 2012
EDU 2823
Behavior & Classroom Management
Fall 2012
Andrius, J. (n.d.). Classroom Management and Discipline- The Kounin Model of Discipline.
Teacher Matters. Retrieved September 18, 2012, from
http://www.teachermatters.com/classroom-discipline/models-of-discipline/the-kouninmodel.html