Philosophy of Education 1

Deanna Garcia

LBS 400: TH 9:00 AM

CSU Dominguez Hills

May 11, 2017

Philosophy of Education
Philosophy of Education 2

Philosophy of Education

My educational experience in a K-12 school district has guided my personal philosophy

on the purpose of education. At a young age, I was placed in the Gifted and Talented program,

which heavily influenced my decision to pursue a college degree. All of my K-12 teachers

cultivated the idea that going to college, or pursuing a higher education, was the pathway to a

successful career and life. What I find most admiring of my K-12 educational experience is that

many of my classmates went on to pursue a higher education after graduating high school. I

believe that students K-12 educational experiences should mimic my personal educational

experience.

Purpose of Education

The purpose of education is a multifaceted concept with intersecting purposes that all

encompass the teachings of basic skills and knowledge. Through the teachings of basic skills and

knowledge students can be prepared for the workforce, college, and democratic life. According

to Horace Manns augmented vision of Thomas Jeffersons idea, public schools should teach the

knowledge and habits, as well as basic literacy, that citizens needed to function in a democracy.

(Oakes & Lipton, 2003, pg. 5) Mann believed that preparing students to function in a democracy

would eliminate poverty and crime and shape the destiny of a wise productive country. (Oakes

& Lipton, 2003, pg. 5) This advancement in knowledge would also extend individual rights and

liberties to all and socially improve the country. (Oakes & Lipton, 2003, pg. 5) After

fundamental education students can be encouraged and given resources to guide them in the

pursuit of seeking a higher education into adulthood.

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Learning Environment

Children learn best in a classroom that focuses on inquiry based learning which enables

students to construct their own understandings, draw conclusions, create new knowledge, and

share their knowledge with others. (Stripling, 2008, pg.1) To compliment an inquiry based

learning environment, teachers should follow John Deweys ideas on constructivism.

Constructivism requires teachers to frame an environment that stimulates learners to question

and discover rather than passively receive information delivered to them. (Stripling, 2008, pg.1)

Teachers can create an inquiry based environment by placing students in small groups at grouped

tables, choosing or designing an activity that promotes constructivism, encouraging whole class

discussion, and individual reflection.

Commitment to Social Justice

Addressing issues of diversity and equity is an important aspect to bring into the

classroom. As a future educator, I want to make sure that my students will have access to

resources that address a multitude of issues such as their race, gender, religion, sexuality, income

level, and disability. According to Heather Hackman (2005), social justice education requires an

examination of systems of power and oppression combined with a prolonged emphasis on social

change and student agency in and outside of the classroom. (Hackman, 2005, pg. 104) As my

classroom examines oppression within systems of power I will ask questions to guide the

conversations such as who benefits and who suffers, what is required to create change, and what

alternatives can we imagine. To promote an atmosphere of change and equality Hackman suggest

teaching students that social action is fundamental to the everyday workings of their lives.

(Hackman, 2005, pg. 104) I will promote the need for social action and remind students that have
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a right as citizens to reject, voice their concern, and protest against systems of oppression to

initiate change in society for all citizens. (Hackman, 2005, pg. 104)

Curriculum

The curriculum in a public school classroom should follow the Common Core Standards.

The sub standards in various subjects should guide a teachers lesson plan for the day, and set a

timeline for when students should be exposed to new knowledge. This new knowledge should be

presented to students using multiple learning theories created by a myriad of learning theorists.

(Wilson & Peterson, 2006, pg.4) As a teacher I will create lesson plans that incorporate Howard

Gardners Multiple Intelligence theory. Following Gardners theory will give students who

possess different kinds of minds and therefore learn, remember, perform, and understand in

different ways a better chance of understanding the new material. (Lane)

Teacher

Effective teachers follow a personal philosophy of education, and continue to evolve their

philosophies to promote student learning. As a teacher, I would continue to evolve my own

personal philosophy by observing classrooms, enacting different learning styles and theories, and

continuing my education. The effective teachers I have observed all share similar characteristics.

Each teacher had a clean and organized classroom, a detailed and in depth lesson plan, and a

student motivational approach. As a future educator, I will use my observations to guide my

strategies and classroom management approaches in my class someday.

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References

Hackman,H.(2005).Fiveessentialcomponentsforsocialjusticeeducation.Massachusetts:
Routledge.

Lane, C. (n.d.). Multiple Intelligences. Retrieved December 3, 2015, from

http://www.tecweb.org/styles/gardner.html

Oakes, J., & Lipton, M. (2003). Teaching to change the world (3rd ed.). New York, NY:
McGraw-Hill

Stripling, B. (2008). Inquiry: Inquiring minds want to know. School Media Activities, 25(1).

Wilson, S. M. &Peterson, P. L. (2006). Theories of learning and teaching what do they mean for

educators? Washington, DC: National Education Association.