Barroso 1 Philosophy Statement While studying for my BA at Susquehanna University, I had to complete a twenty hour observation at the local

middle school, in which I was assigned a sixth through eighth grade resource room. During one of my observations, I was asked to work with a small group of students on multiplication. While working with this group, I started to notice that some of the students understood the concept the teacher taught them and some did not. I decided to try some differentiation and explained it in a different way. Seeing the satisfaction on their faces after those students finally understood was one of the most rewarding things I could have experienced. It was then I realized that when you are giving a lesson, it is important to differentiate and accommodate those who learn differently. It is not that children cannot learn - they all just learn in different ways. After that day in the classroom, I completed my education at Susquehanna with the intentions of continuing my education to be a teacher. Upon entering Wagner College, I was surrounded by theories, classroom management techniques, and assessments. During my observations I was able to see what I was learning come to life into the classroom. I learned which behavior management technique to use in a given situation, which type of assessment to use on certain students, and how to differentiate instruction according to students learning styles, which I consider to be a major factor to success in the classroom. I believe that individual learning styles should be acknowledged and accommodated. Some students are visual learners or auditory learners. Some students learn best globally as apposed to analytically, while others learn best by moving their bodies. Although you cannot accommodate every one of your students individually, you can, however, accommodate smaller groups of your students who have similar learning styles. Not only are there different learning styles and intelligences, some students have disabilities that at times can get in the way of their learning. It is important for the teacher to take into account all the learning styles, intelligences and disabilities when creating instruction and evaluation with the students strengths and preferences while at the same time work on their weaknesses. Another key factor to success in the classroom is the use of technology. We are living in an era in which technology is seen everywhere we go. Ive seen children as young as four years old work a computer if not as well, better than most adults. For this reason, it is important to incorporate as much technology as possible into the lesson plans. Not only can computers can be used, but power point, television, radio, and a smart board can be used as well. Technology today is just computers and internet assistive technology is something that you will see more in schools. Assistive technology can be using a microphone while a child is wearing an ear because he/she is hard of hearing or having a child use a device to help with his/her communication skills. My ideal classroom would include a smart board, using a microphone that is connected to speakers throughout the classroom, television with cable hook-up, and of course computers with internet. Success in the classroom should also include communication with parents/guardians. It is crucial for teachers to get to know their students parents/guardians. I feel as though conferences and phone calls are sometimes never enough. Individual classroom websites is a

Barroso 2 useful way to include parents into what is going on in the classroom. It can include any upcoming events, birthdays, projects, and if any, homework assignments. It is understandable that some parents/guardians do not have the means to afford a computer, so a classroom newsletter can also be sent home. Both of these can be student created, with the teacher guiding them, so the students can be involved in what and how to communicate with their parents/guardians. As a teacher, I will strive to create an environment in which my students will grow a love for learning. I want to create a sense of community in which all students can work together and celebrate each childs accomplishments. I want my classroom to feel warm and accepting so my students can feel safe to express themselves freely and to celebrate the diversity within the classroom. All children are able to learn, just in different ways. Acknowledging the differences in the classroom and accommodating those differences can help children to succeed. I will accept and open my door to each child that walks into my classroom. If children do not believe in their abilities and instead be discouraged on their disabilities, they will not only struggle in school, but in everyday life as well. In the words of Plato, Never discourage anyone who continually makes progress, no matter how slow.