Educational Philosophy
Being human means we have consciousness, which lets us be aware, curious, social, and take action for ourselves and the world. One way we take action is by learning and teaching. We learn and teach because we’re curious. Curiosity is what motivates us to learn. It makes us ask questions, think critically, and search for answers. As we search, we learn, which is like teaching ourselves. But searching is never done, which means we’re always learning and growing. And the more we learn, the better learners we become.
I know what I know because of how I learn. The quality of my learning depends on how deep my thoughts are and how I explore beyond the simple curiosity of everyday people. Common sense, conventional wisdom, and rote learning don’t cut it. We learn and gain knowledge through pure experience and understanding. We use a rigorous methodological procedure with creativity, critical thinking, and deep understanding.
My search for knowledge is limited by authority and freedom. Freedom can mean doing whatever we want without regard for others, which is anarchy. Or freedom can be limited by the ethics we choose, but we still have the freedom to break the rules. Ethics with a strong social community as the foundation can invest in itself by maintaining its resources, striving for sustainability, caring for each other, and teaching its children.
Education is deeply rooted in our beliefs and ideas. It’s important to acknowledge that our perspectives are shaped by our experiences and environment. While we strive for objectivity, it’s crucial to recognize that objectivity itself has a subjective and sometimes invisible dimensions. Therefore, we should approach all ideas and opinions with an open mind, considering their origins, history, and consequences.
Educators should embody qualities like compassion, respect for all life, and a willingness to embrace change. They should also be humble, joyful, have an openness to change, perseverance for struggle, a refusal of determinism, a spirit of hope, and an openness for justice. Additionally, educators should use pedagogical practice that foster a sense of autonomy and self-determination in their students, allowing them to explore and learn at a reasonable pace and discover their own interests.
Finally, educators must impart to their students the ability to navigate non-educational experiences and approach learning in an exploratory manner that will make their learning attainable and worthwhile. This approach will empower them to recognize themselves as the architects of their own learning and their life journey.
Beliefs on Teaching
- Education is a fundamental aspect of human development that hinges on the act of teaching. However, teaching itself is a process of continuous learning. When we teach, we embark on a journey of discovery. While seeking to understand the learner’s knowledge and fostering an interactive dialogue to comprehend them better, we learn about ourself. This process not only enhances our teaching skills but also deepens our understanding of the learner and the learning process itself.
- Openness is a cornerstone of effective teaching. A teacher needs a sense of inner security, required for our willingness to take risks and provide learners the choices they need for learning. Without openness, education becomes stagnant, and learning becomes a mere formality.
- A self-confident teacher, is necessary to provide an open nurturing learning environment. Curious and open-minded learners thrive in such settings, freely questioning their knowledge and embracing uncertainty. This fosters a sense of autonomy and empowers them to shape their own destinies.
- Learning is most effective when emotional passion ignites curiosity and interest, motivating learners to explore and learn with enthusiasm. Encouraging them to seek meaningful learning experiences that satisfy their curiosity and enable them to apply their knowledge to achieve their learning goals.
- Learning is an endless pursuit, never truly complete. As we strive for a deeper understanding of the world, we uncover new possibilities that challenge our perceptions of uncertainty and limitless potential.
- Being educated is not about achieving a singular, dogmatic understanding but rather about embracing an unfinished journey of self-discovery. It is an ethical endeavor that allows students to make informed decisions, even if some choices may lead to transgressions of their ignorance.
- In a democratic society, education must uphold ethical principles, promoting fairness, inclusivity, and political engagement. It should strive to create sustainable communities that not only ensure survival but also foster growth and prosperity.
- Reflection and research are essential components of assessment to verify information and make decisions to improve teaching and learning. As teaching is the bridge that connects research findings to meaningful learning experiences.
Summary
My teaching philosophy is rooted in my insatiable curiosity and relentless pursuit of understanding. I have a deep desire to support learning and comprehension for all individuals. Through this pursuit, I have developed the ability to identify knowledge gaps and intervene accordingly. My confidence in sharing my curiosity and questions enables me to create an environment conducive to learning. Furthermore, I am committed to exploring thorough research and reflection and drawing sound conclusions. These actions and interactions not only educate my students but also enrich my own knowledge base. I recognize the significance of respecting individual autonomy and understand that learning often requires space as well as support. Healthy, successful, and sustainable communities can thrive when such practices are embraced.