Michael Gentry

Dr. Ellis

EDUC 1301.200

February 09, 2018

Philosophy of Teaching

Teaching our future generations of society’s leaders and workers is a responsibility which

cannot be taken lightly. It is imperative to find the most effective means by which to accomplish

this goal. Students vary in many ways. These include their aptitudes, learning abilities, and

differing outside influences, which can affect their opportunities for success. Thus, I feel that

teaching methods should somewhat change from earlier years to later years, as students mature.

Through studying different philosophies and styles of teaching, it appears that a more

structured philosophy of education would be more effective. Early levels of school would most

likely benefit from a more rigid Essentialism philosophy, as espoused by William Bagley, which

focuses on traditional academics, and core curriculum. When students enter the earlier grades of

school, it is necessary to establish good study skills, and grasp the basic concepts that will help

them be able to comprehend the material that they will encounter. This will require that

educators control what and how that material is covered. Concepts such as Existentialism would

not bode well at this level. Letting these young students steer their own curriculum would be

akin to allowing them to choose their own diet. Many would choose to exist on candy and junk

food, which would have detrimental effects on their developing bodies. The Existentialism

philosophy would have a similar effect on their developing mind.

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 As students come from so many different environments, there will be dynamics which vary

from student to student. Such difference may include: ethnic, or socioeconomic situations

differentiating them from the majority of other students, single parent homes, learning

difficulties, etc. A single parent is often burdened with work, often single handedly having to run

a household and raise the family. Thus, the single parent may be unable to assist the student with

school assignments. Whereas, children with a more intact nuclear family likely receive more

assistance. Students of different cultures may have language barriers which make learning more

difficult for them. It is incumbent upon us as teachers to determine how to best reach out to these

students to determine their needs, and how best to reach them.

As students advance to higher grade levels, I believe that the style and philosophy of teaching

should transition, or evolve, into a more Progressivism philosophy of teaching. John Dewey, a

founder of the Progressivism philosophy believed that the book learning of students could be

augmented by a more hands-on type teaching method. This will prepare students for real world

situations. I believe the incorporation of activities, such as balancing a checkbook, or planning a

budget, could not only be an exercise for what was learned in mathematics, but would develop

planning and reasoning skills as well.

As a teacher entering the profession later in life, I believe my life experiences will be helpful

in teaching real world skills to our students. I want to teach, because I feel it is important to pass

what I have learned on to future generations. I believe in fostering an environment that is

welcoming and encouraging to students. Positive reinforcement is a great motivator, and helps a

student be more open to participating in the class. Increased involvement by students helps all

students to learn from each other, as well as from the instructor.

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 Standardized testing, while not ideal, is a good indicator of how well students are developing

and retaining what they have learned. Testing anxiety and other factors should be considered as

possible causes when some students do not do as well as expected. The true assessment of this

philosophy of teaching will be realized as these students develop into successful and productive

members of society, equipped with the knowledge and skills to help society function well.