Teaching Philosophy

Aaron Cirzan
Carl Rogers declared, The only learning which significantly influences behavior is selfdiscovered, self-appropriated learning. (Jensen, 2003). Knowledge comes from within students.
Therefore it is not the teachers job to talk facts to students, but to create an atmosphere in which
students can learn from themselves and their peers. A teacher is a facilitator, not a boss.
The word education is derived from the Latin root e-ducere, which means to lead forth.
Education then, is meant to lead a student toward reaching his or her full potential. It is the teachers
responsibility to help every student become educated. This can be done through challenging students
to think critically and imaginatively. It is my goal to make students think and use reasoning to solve
problems and discover new possibilities, not to memorize facts (Hagedorn, 2011).
School, too often, is attended by students either because they want to receive a piece of
paper for a better job or due to the social constructs that call for a linear pathway into the university.
This is not acceptable. The classroom needs to be a place where students are actively engaged in
learning (Rendon, 2005). In my classroom, lessons will be tailored towards what the students want to
learn while still covering the learning objectives and course goals. Differentiated instruction is also
important. All students learn differently, thus it is important to vary the teaching methods used to help
create discussion and interaction from all students.
A successful classroom can only exist if there is respect between students and educators. In my
classroom every student will be recognized as a capable individual who has something to contribute.
Every student comes from a different background and has experienced different events creating an
atmosphere where everyone has diverse skills and expertise. This must be embraced to encourage a
spread of ideas in an open classroom atmosphere (Robinson, 2010). It is important to cultivate
community by learning students names, interests and backgrounds (Palmer, 2009). Success can only
come if students feel recognized as a special individual (Debard, 2004).
It is also important that students are encouraged to take risks and test new ideas. Jules Henry
states, School is indeed a training for later in life not because it teaches the three Rs (more or less), but
because it instills the essential cultural nightmare fear of failure, envy of success, and absurdity. (Jensen
2003). This is problematic. Students must feel comfortable in the classroom which means teaching
must consist of mostly praise. This is not to say that one cannot constructively critique a student to help
them improve a skill, but it is important to focus on strengths. This will encourage students to better
themselves by feeling comfortable about making mistakes and learning from them. It is central to
teaching to have students not fear failure.
Learning in such a manner, as described above, is a complex process. Therefore assessment of
such learning must show not just what a student knows, but that they know how to apply it and when to
apply it. Therefore, when students are assessed they will display the act of their knowledge through
projects, presentations and writing. Assessment of such displays will not be the end of learning but part
of the process for continual improvement.
Learning in the classroom is not just for students, but also for teachers. Utilizing feedback from
students, alongside evaluations, I will continue to change, adapt and strive to promote a positive
classroom environment and meaningful learning experiences. Just as I encourage students to take risks
and test new ideas, so will I.
It is critical that students feel comfortable in the classroom. It is crucial that students are
challenged to think. It is essential to have differentiated curriculum that is interactive and worthwhile.
A teacher is a facilitator who is present to help students reach their full potential.

Teaching Philosophy
Aaron Cirzan
References
Debard, R. (2004). Millennials Coming to College. New Directions for Student Services. No. 106. New
Jersey: Wiley Periodicals.
Hagedorn, L.S. (2011). The Meaning of Academic Life. Presidential Speech Draft.
Jensen, D. (2003). Walking on Water. White River Junction, VT: Chelsea Green Publishing.
Palmer, P.J. (2009). Transforming Teaching and Learning in Higher Education: An Interview with Parker
J. Palmer. Spirituality in Higher Education Newsletter. Vol 5, Issue 2.
Rendon, L. (2005). Recasting Agreements that Govern Teaching and Learning: An Intellectual and
Spiritual Framework for Transformation. Religion and Education. Vol. 32, No. 1. Iowa:
University of Northern Iowa.
Robinson, K (2010). Bring on the Learning Revolution! Ted Talks. Retrieved from:
http://www.ted.com/talks/sir_ken_robinson_bring_on_the_revolution