Olivia Rossbach

EDU 101 Dr. Stock

Education Philosophy paper
November 23, 2013

As John Dewey stated, Failure is instructive. The person who really thinks learns quite as much
from his failures as form his successes. I am sure it was through much experimentation that Benjamin
Franklin finally succeeded in proving that lightening was electricity through the use of a kite. I want
students in my classroom to use these kinds of necessary critical thinking skills provided to solve
problems. I understand that each student learns differently and I hope to empower each of my students
with the skills they need to succeed not only in the classroom, but also to succeed in anything they
aspire to do in life to better themselves and others.

After taking an educational philosophy quiz, my personal beliefs about students, teaching and
curriculum have been defined as Social Constructivism and Progressivism. My beliefs through the Social
Constructivism and Progressivism philosophy can be implemented in my classroom through curriculum
based lessons that will enhance students awareness of societal problems and encourage students to
better their society. I dont believe that encouraging students to better society will harm them or
force them because as individuals in America it is our moral responsibility to help others. Education
should enable students to recognize injustices in society and schools should promote projects to disarm
social inequities. Opening students eyes to less privileged around them through field trips and mentors
coming in and talking to the class, it will only make them better people and maybe one day reach out on
their own. Through learning about society and real world problems, children can not only think of
constructive ways to better society, but they can also see the connection in the classroom and become
rational thinkers and problem solvers. Through learning about society students will be introduced to

discrimination and taught that it is wrong and will not be a part of our classroom, nor should it be a part
of society. I believe in being a teacher but I dont believe in just lecturing in front of the classroom;
children need someone to help them along the way to further their own individual interests which can
be done in the classroom through teaching strategies such as group discussion and activities. Also,
children can help feel involved in my classroom by helping make classroom rules which will also teach
them personal and social values for example morals, truth and responsibility.

My beliefs about education will help me understand students personally and develop a
relationship with them so that they feel our classroom is a safe, non-judgmental environment that is not
only mine, but theirs too; It is important that my students know they can say anything in the classroom
and that they will not be criticized and that their answers are never wrong. Students knowing that they
can be themselves in the classroom also lets them know that I understand they all learn differently and
that I will do my best to develop individual teaching strategies and personalize content to their interest
so that they can relate to it better. Also, communicating with students parents through newsletters
describing a childs progress, class parties and in person meetings I will get an understanding of each
students culture and how I can best help them learn. Education is not only the teachers responsibility
but I believe it is also the familys while the child is no longer in my care. My goal is to prepare students
to be ready for the next grade and for them to feel confident in the content they have learned
throughout the year as they enter a new grade at the end of our time together.

If I feel that students are not participating or becoming uninterested, I want them to know that I
am concerned and want them to succeed. If a child does not want to study, it is my responsibility to
teach them the importance of knowledge and that it is the only way out of whatever negative real world
situation they may be in. It is also my responsibility to emphasize discipline, hard work and respect for
authority. I hope to have enthusiasm while teaching to also help them become interested and motivate

them, as some of my best teachers did. Enthusiasm keeps students interested and lets them know that
you are prepared and knowledgeable about your subject. Teaching strategies such as field trips can
enhance students interests in subjects and allow them to have hands on, visual learning. Field trips
could also be another way to include parent involvement in the classroom. Group projects could also be
used so that students can get other perspectives from their classmates about subject content as well as
promoting positive group relationships while students learn about different ethnic and racial groups.
Students need basic facts about all the different people that have shaped the nations heritage. I dont
believe that teachers should just rely on the classics and what has worked in the past, because each
student is different and each year education, technology, resources and real world challenges are
changing. As teachers it is our responsibility to find the latest ways to help students learn and create
new ways as we discover each childs needs and personalities.

To increase students interest and sense of belonging the classroom, discussions of ideas and
options for projects that will help students feel successful. I believe in being organized and having other
alternatives such as visual aids and hands on materials to help students learn as well as having animated
facial expressions and voices to enhance students interest in the lesson and attentiveness. The most
memorable teachers from my past were enthusiastic and creative when it came to teaching. For
example, in history, students could not only learn about important individuals in society but also present
their information to the class through costumes.

Technology is changing every day and is a powerful tool in the classroom to enhance learning
through ipads, laptops, smart boards and other resources available. I also believe in having classroom
rules such as raising your hand and respecting the teacher and classmates. Rules such as these can be
expressed in real world applications as well for example respecting others in society and not being
judgmental. I want my students to know that what they have to say is important and to constantly

remind them to make good choices, because who knows, my classroom may be the only place they hear
it.

In conclusion, I will implement philosophies in my teaching such as Social Constructivism and

Progressivism through being organized and having good classroom management. Also I will set high
goals and expectations for my students and encourage and guide them to reach their full potential. I will
teach students the importance of improving through teaching strategies of helping with classroom rules
and involvement in project ideas. By getting student involvement, it will teach responsibility, right and
wrong, creativity and enthusiasm. Technology will be used as a resource to help students learn, and
constant involvement with parents will allow me to understand their culture and the best way to guide
their child in my classroom.