Sofia Sotelo

EDU 1010
10/26/15
Educational Philosophy
Ch. 5 Assignment
My teaching philosophy would be a mixture between essentialism and progressivism. I
believe these educational ideas will contribute excessively to my classroom structure, teaching
style and student involvement. The essentialism portion of my philosophy includes: making sure
my students have knowledge of the common core. I believe its necessary for students to have a
basic understanding of subjects such as, math, english, science and social studies. Obtaining an
insight on these topics is crucial for continuing in academics and furthering skills. As a part of
essentialism. students also need to be taught how to become hard workers, respect individuals
with authority and at times, be disciplined. Rather than making test taking a requirement, as
essentialists would, I would want students to show perseverance through hands on activities,
much like a progressivist would. I believe students need to learn how to become active problem
solvers and thinkers who are capable of allowing their personal experience influence their
futures.
I believe
The purpose of education is to educate and aid students by developing skills and
knowledge such as reading, math, writing, critical thinking and problem solving. Schools and
education should allow students to figure out their passions, interests and dislikes. Individuals
are also introduced to social interaction while at school which I feel is an essential part of
education, this teacher's students how to communicate with others outside of their families.
Education teaches students how to become active members of society and allows them to learn
about the world around them while working on themselves as individuals to become someone
they are proud of.
The teacher should be a friend and an enforcer to his/her students. Students learn best
when they feel safe, with their teacher being a friend figure, students will feel comfortable in
asking questions and participating in class. Teachers cant allow their students to become too
comfortable with their student/teacher relationship because this could lead students to losing
respect for the teacher. Teachers need to be encouraging towards their students. Although
teachers should motivate their students, they cant expect to do everything for their students. I
think students need inspiration because there could be that one student in class who thinks they
are dumb or don't amount to anything, but if a teacher shows interest, it would encourage the
student to push themselves. In the classroom students should be respectful, responsible, attentive,
willing to participate and happy. The most important thing a student could do is learn to

participate in class. If a student chooses not to participate, they will not obtain the same
experience and knowledge of those students who do.
My classroom will consist of a welcoming environment, hands on learning, discussions,
and interaction with their peers. I want my students to feel as they can trust me with school and
out of school issues. I feel students learn best by in-class discussions and interacting with their
peers. I would set up my classroom with desks for students to be in groups to make discussions
easier. I also would insist my students participate in group projects and activities as well as
individual assignments. I believe the content taught in class should be able to relate to students
lives. The more relatable the information is to the students, the more they will remember and
retain the information.
I believe the role of technology is necessary in today's classrooms. Technology will only
advance in the years to come which mean students need at least a minimum understanding on
how to use a variety of technological devices. Technology should be used to teach students how
to conduct proper research and to write papers and essays. Technology would be most beneficial
in assisting teachers. They could record lectures which would allow students to watch on their
free time if they need reviewing or miss a day of class. There are also certain tools which help
teachers correct and grade papers/assignments; this would give teachers extra time to prepare
their lessons. Technology is improving and should be used in an educational setting.

References:
Kauchak, D. Eggan, P. (2014). Introduction to Teaching (5th ed.). New Jersey, NJ: Pearson