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Philosophy of Education

Sandy Segura
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Previous readings in this course discuss the many insights that can be used to explain the

different categories that educators can meet in order to assist learners with their education. After

having read and understood the different learning theories it has come to my conclusion that I

strongly agree with the use of Social Constructivism which refers to learning through social

context. According to cognitivists as Vygotsky and Piaget believed that knowledge is built

through interactions with environmental stimuli. Although interaction is significant inside and

outside classroom environment, it is also necessary for students to take initiative in their own

learning, and that is where the philosophical perspective of Progressivism takes place.

Education is necessary in order for students to become active members of society and

become successful in their future career paths. With the proper education students can build tools

to help them function in the outside world. I agree that students learn best through the use of

socializing, communication and in group and individual work. According to the text “Preparing

teachers for a Changing World: What teachers should learn and be able to do” by John

Bransford, Linda Darling- Hammond, and Pamela LePage it states, “the schools assume the

purpose of enabling young people to participate fully in political, civic, and economic life in our

society” (2005, p 11). The quote refers to educators teaching children in order to prepare them

for responsibilities of adulthood.

Ensuring a good learning environment for students is also important. Through volunteer

work and hours of observation I was able to determine children learn best in a safe and enjoyable

environment. It is also significant to make the environment comfortable enough to let them ask

questions, participate and interact with others. Bransford, Darling-Hammond, and LePage state,

“Organizing a classroom for learning is extremely important to safeguard valuable time and to

create a positive environment for teaching and learning” (2005, p. 37). As a future educator I
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hope to learn as much as possible from my experiences and what is important to bring into the

environment for better classroom management.

Teachers must be prepared to address the significance of diversity in the classroom. The

text states, “In addition to constructing culturally responsive curriculum and teaching, teachers

need to be prepared for learning differences and disabilities that are prevalent in the inclusive

classroom. They need to understand how to evaluate students’ strengths and difficulties,

construct appropriate tasks and supports” (2005, p 36). After having taken courses in SPE 480

(special education) and LBS 310 Anti-biased Education I've learned that just because two

students may share similarities does not mean that they should be taught the same way and that

equity is important to help every student meet their specific learning needs. This is where the

philosophical perspective of Progressivism is most useful. Progressivists suggest that education

should be focused on the student rather than the content being taught (Philosophical Perspective

in Education, n.d.). I agree with this concept because teachers should take into consideration

student interests and beliefs into a lesson, and they should make sure every student understands

receives the help they need by providing accommodations and modifications when necessary.

For instance some may be visual learners while others are auditory learners. One way a teacher

can explain the lesson verbally and visually is by using a finished example of the work to model

to the class how it should be completed and give directions simultaneously.

Inquiry is a way of helping students to think and question more about the subjects they

learn. In the article “Inquiry: Inquiring Minds want to Know” author Barbara Stripling states

“Inquiry is a process of learning that is driven by questioning, thoughtful investigating, making

sense of information, and developing new understandings” (2008, p 1). All subjects in school are

important and develop new information over time which is why it is inquiry is significant.
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Although inquiry is important, math and literature are two subjects that should be emphasized

because they are used in everyday lives; such as reading directions or counting money. Students

can also develop literacy skills through taking a walk around/field trip around their community

and locate environmental print. Teachers can use wordsearch and crossword worksheets to help

with memorization of terms in each subject. Another way these subjects can be taught is by

making fun and interactive activities such as group projects or having a guest speaker to learn

more about a specific lesson.

According to the text “Preparing Teachers for a Changing World” each educator has

their own way of teaching it states, “There is no one right way to behave as a teacher. Some

effective teachers are charismatic whereas others are more retiring” (2005, p 5). This means that

there are many attributes that make a teacher successful such as being supportive, organized,

provide guidance and always learning new things. It a teacher’s responsibility to ensure his/her

students has the proper environment, lesson structure, and interaction in class that will help them

succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

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References

Bransford, J., Darling-Hammond, L., and LePage, P. (2005). Introduction. In Darling-Hammond,

L., & Bransford, J. (Eds.). Preparing teachers for a changing world: What teachers should
learn and be able to do. (p. 1-39). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Philosophical Perspectives in Education, (n.d.). Retrieved from

http://oregonstate.edu/instruct/ed416/PP4.html
Stripling, Barbara. (2008). Inquiry: Inquiring minds want to know. School Library Media
Activities Monthly. 25 (1). 50-53.