Mireille Hazboun

Philosophy of Education

I believe that schools exist to educate young children the knowledge that they will

soon use in the outside world, as well as in their future, whether it is life skills, social

skills, or learning concepts and content. Schools are there to share the knowledge that

has been discovered and learned throughout history, so that the children are able to

lead themselves into a bright future.

For children to obtain their knowledge, I think that we, as early childhood

educators, exist to guide children as they make discoveries and develop in their

learning. I would have my lessons student-centered as much as possible, with teacher-

centered lessons in when needed. Johann Pestalozzi’s theory of children discovering

ideas within their own activities appeals to me because children are able to learn more

efficiently when discovering and learning things in their own methods. I also believe in

Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s idea of observation. You can learn so much from simply

watching the child’s communication and actions.

With student-centered learning, it allows the child to be a more active participant

in their learning and development. I believe students will enjoy learning more when

making discoveries on their own in more hands-on activities, with us giving guidance

when needed. While we do have a curriculum to follow, students should have a chance

to learn about something that interests them, when given the opportunity. They should

also be given choices in how they want to learn certain topics through different types of

activities, as well as be involved in making their own class rules to follow.

 Classroom management is about fifty percent of the job of the teacher. It is

important to set the rules early on. One way I would is by building positive relationships

with my students starting from the first day. Another way is I would make positive phone

calls home. Having parents hear good news about their child will bring positive

reinforcement back to their child. This would translate to positive classroom behavior.

Having the family involved is also an important part of a child’s learning.

Encouraging family members to be active in their child’s learning can help in motivating

them to be more actively involved in their own learning. Setting up a family day so the

family members can really see what and how their child is learning can be enlightening

experience.

While children make discoveries almost every day and we, as early childhood

educators, act as guides to further develop their learning and growth, the children need

someone to advocate for them in times of need. Teachers need to be aware about the

world and the needs and desires of their students. If students are satisfied, this gives

the community an asset. We, as teachers, need to bring the community to the

classroom in order to make a change in society. A way that I would help to involve the

community is by inviting local professionals to the classroom to problem-solve with the

students. For example, I could bring in a local scientist that could discuss the

community’s waste issues. The scientist could work with the children to create a

proposal that shows a new course of action they think they should try and why, or they

can make a pamphlet that helps to raise awareness in their neighborhoods. When

teachers help students learn to become aware of what is going on in their community, it

can encourage children to become advocates themselves.