LBS 400 Dr. Abbott Philosophy of Education Purpose of Education According to Gene Carter (2012), the purpose of education is to prepare the youth to compete in a global environment. One can definitely agree with Carter, because education should provide the youth awareness for their futures in a world that is rapidly changing. Students should receive an education that will help them realize their own unique potential. Children should grow up to become good citizens, and aspire self- improvement. Without education, the world would not run accordingly! We need educated professionals like doctors, teachers, and lawyers to help society on an everyday basis. Ultimately, the purpose of education is to understand society and to find our own place in it.
Learning Environment Abraham Maslow once said, A positive and supportive climate for learning must be established and maintained in the classroom. This principle is very important in education, because when children feel safe and respected both emotionally and physically they are able to focus better on learning. Creating a positive classroom where children feel welcomed, safe, respected, and supported will enhance the childrens productivity in the classroom. Making the classroom feel like home; by adding curtains, houseplants, and furniture can really impact the way children learn. When the classroom has a positive environment it gives the children a sense of belonging, which makes them want to go to Mpalencia 2
school and learn. As a teacher, one should create classroom rules that are clear and supportive, so that we give students boundaries and opportunities to practice self- regulation and to make good choices. Also, by promoting positive peer relationships we can create an environment where students support and are kind to one another; that way they dont feel uncomfortable and unwilling to speak. For example, working in groups, receiving feedback, and participating in classroom discussions can cause the students to feel essential to the classroom; therefore increasing their interest in learning.
Commitment to Social Justice The U.S. Department of Education (2010), states that their goal is to provide high-quality early learning opportunities to all children in America so that they enter kindergarten ready to succeed in school and in life. I believe that by making education freely available to all children we are giving everyone an equal opportunity to succeed in life. A teacher should take responsibility and commitment to help students learn without judging their social and economic background. We should be aware that our country is full of different cultures and ethnicities. Therefore, when teaching we should relate new learning to the students lives and experiences. As educators we should provide the parents of our students with information that can benefit their child, such as tutoring, aid assistance, and even medical information. Teachers are not only in the classroom to teach, but they are there to help, support, and care for their students life. Overall, teaching children to appreciate one another for who they are should be an educators priority and commitment to social justice in education.
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Curriculum The State Board of Education (2013) believes that all students need a high- quality mathematics program designed to prepare them to graduate from high school, ready for college, a career, and civic life. Students do not only need a high-quality mathematics program, but they need quality teachers and staff that can teach all subjects. Over the past four years, I have noticed that certain schools hire teachers that do not know how to be teachers and cant teach the subject. For example, Compton High School had a math teacher that was proficient in math, but did not know how to teach the students. This particular teacher was boring in his lectures, and never gave the students any guided practice. Teachers should know their students level before they begin any lesson, so that they can learn to accommodate those students that may run a bit behind. The new Common Core State Standards (2010), were created to make students become critical thinkers. Teachers should ask the students questions, help the students predict, have discussions, and work in groups so that students can assist each other with any subject. As teachers, we should always check for understanding, and we should make learning enjoyable. Blending the fun with the curriculum enhances the students performance. Some examples are: creating games, or adding art to a lesson. Teachers should always use pictures, charts, and diagrams when teaching; to help visual learners grasp and understand the subject that is being taught. English Language Learners (ELL) should be presented with visuals and manipulates, such as postcards, photographs, and video clips to enhance the students comprehension. ELL students need to practice speaking, writing, reading, and listening in order to acquire the new language. Writing in journals, singing a song, having class discussions, and group work can help ELL learners Mpalencia 4
practice language acquisition. Lastly, teachers should always seek support from other teachers that may have suggestions and resources that can help.
Teacher Effective teachers should always be committed to their school and their students. Teachers should be fun, creative, and passionate in the classroom. As teachers, we need to care for our students, understand their differences, and support their decisions. Personally, I plan to always have a smile on my face when working, create fun and creative lesson plans, and speak passionately about the importance of school. Teachers should attend workshops that will help us develop more teaching skills, and we should engage in the community of our students to create a friendly view of the neighborhood. Teachers should always continue to maintain professionalism in all areas. The classroom should always be organized and clean. The teachers personal appearance is very important, so we should always dress appropriate, engage with parents and guardians, and learn to accept criticism. Teachers should inspire and improve learning for students, and understand that teaching will not always be easy. Ultimately, teachers should enjoy a challenge!
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References Common core standards. (2010). California Department of Education, Retrieved from http://www.cde.ca.gov/re/cc/index.asp
Early learning: America's middle class promise begins early. (2010, December). U.S. Department of Education, Retrieved from http://www.ed.gov/early-learning
Gene, C. (2012, Marchh 18). What's the purpose of school in the 21st century?. Good Magazine, Retrieved from http://magazine.good.is/articles/what-s-the-purpose-of- school-in-the-21st-century
Maslow, A. (1954). Motivation and personality. New York: Harper.
Mathematics framework chapters. (2013, November 06). California Department of Education, Retrieved from http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/ma/cf/draft2mathfwchapters.asp