Philosophy of Education

Over time and through experience, the Grand Canyon has become the magnificent wonder that it is today.  It has grown, with the help of nature and nurture, to become “self-actualized”.  With its basic needs met along the way, it has been creative in its efforts to effect change on its canyon environment. It has learned, and now it teaches us

My Personal Philosophy of Education

PHILOSOPHICAL BELIEFS

My Philosophical System:  I draw from both the progressivism and humanism models. Therefore, I uphold these theories as an educator, administrator, mother, daughter, sibling, and friend.  I believe that the process of educating reaches far beyond the classroom is a combination of nature and nurture, and that experiential learning – although individual in process – is the responsibility of all in outcome.

Meaning: I believe that concrete facts and interrelationships shape the human experience. I believe that these facts and relationships help us make concrete decisions about learning.  I also believe that we draw on the experiences to discover our personal strengths.  Finally, I believe that by recognizing our individual strengths and associating them to positive experiences, humans can move toward self-actualization.

What is Reality?:  I believe that humans are innately good and have the potential to learn and grow in a positive way.  I believe that when one’s “basic needs” are met, and one has positive experiences to draw on, one will be motivated to learn.  I also believe that when one effectively “problem-solves” their way through difficulties, one will gain the confidence to seek out new experiences.

Nature of being Human: I believe that humans should be respected.  I believe that humans are part of the natural environment and therefore should be respectful of it.  I believe each individual is talented and contributes to the environment.  I believe that individual strengths should be recognized and utilized to bring about positive change.

PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE VALUES

Educational Aims: I believe the goal of the learning experience lies within the individual learner.  The aim is that the learner practices critical thinking, uses emotional and social intelligence, overcomes adversity, obtains knowledge in a subject area, and gains confidence throughout the experience.  I believe that each adult learner has the potential to reach his or her own goals when the learning environment is a safe place to learn from mistakes, open to innovative ideas and expression, and free of negativity.

Educational Methods: I encourage learners to do a self-assessment to discover their strengths.  Using those strengths, I encourage students to be actively involved in their learning experience.  I employ group discussion and encourage teamwork.  I expect learners to respect the talents of others and to use their strengths “lens” to identify what each person brings to the experience.  I encourage students to be active learners and to voice their opinions and suggestions respectfully.  I expect learners to reflect and assess their progress (and sometimes “our” progress) and make changes along the way to maximize their experience.

Educational Content:  To ensure that the learner’s basic needs are met, I provide them with a guideline of course expectations and encourage them to voice their own expectations.  As a group we make logistic and environmental decisions to lessen anxiety.  I employ the use of learning contracts to encourage self-directed learning.  I use group work to build community and foster social intelligence.  Students are encouraged to read outside material related to the curriculum, and are exposed to guest lecturers who are experts in the field.