Nathan Foster: Philosophy of Education

My experiences both as a student at Westminster and during my observations have truly

shaped my goals and aspirations as a future educator. Education is the single most important

aspect of the world today, it impacts our students and shapes the future of their lives. Education

is the key to achieving equality. Teaching equality would open a whole world of opportunities for

different social classes, genders, and races of the world. Education is very important if you want

to be a self dependent person. It helps you become financially independent but that is not all.

Education also makes you wiser so that you can make your own decisions. In order to access

and instill these traits, students require a secure and stimulating environment. These beliefs

align parallel to the theory of progressivism. Progressivism is largely based around the belief

that lessons must be relevant to the students in order for them to learn. The curriculum of a

progressivist teacher and school should be built around the personal experiences, interests, and

needs of the students. One where they feel supported in taking risks and welcome to share all

of their ideas and opinions. In order to create such an environment students must be allowed to

direct their own learning, study concepts relevant to real life, and feel loved and respected by

their peers and community.

The first is allowing students to direct their own learning while the teacher acts as a

guide to their discovery. This is known as existentialism. Existentialism is derived from a

powerful belief in human free will, and the need for individuals to shape their own futures.

Students in existentialist classrooms control their own education. Students are encouraged to

understand and appreciate their uniqueness and to assume responsibility for their actions.

When the teacher's role is to provide access to information and the Utah teaching standards,

rather than act as their primary information source, the students gather knowledge while being

allowed the opportunity for individual discovery and construction. This type collaboration

between students and their teachers results in a student directed learning experience while

assisting with differentiation of instruction.

 Equally important to self-discovery is having the opportunity to study concepts that are

meaningful and relevant to students lives and interests. According to David Kolb and his theory

of experiential learning, “knowledge is continuously gained through both students personal and

environmental experiences". By developing a curriculum around this idea we are able to foster

intrinsic motivation and stimulate the passion that students have to learn. Given the opportunity

for input, students are able to generate ideas and set goals that make for much richer activities

than I could have created or imagined myself.

Lastly, I believe that helping students to develop a deep love and respect for

themselves, and each other, occurs through an open sharing of ideas and a community based

approach. When the voice of each student is heard, the environment evolves to a point where

students feel free to express themselves. By collaborating with classmates and educators, I

believe students obtain greater respect for their teachers, their peers, and the lessons

presented.

For myself, teaching provides an opportunity for continual learning and growth. As an

educator I hope to instill a love for learning in my students, as I share that same passion with

them.