MY OWN TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

“My own teaching philosophy is based around the idea of ‘I do, We do, You
do.’ This means that I show to the students how to do it, then students do the
lesson with me, and then students take what they have learned to work
independently.” – Mrs. Ciampaglia
Most of my students come from an urban area that is very poor. They overcome
many obstacles and adversities on a daily basis. They need a classroom
environment that is fun, warm, and engaging. They deserve to have fun learning
activities to practice what they've learned in group lessons. The nature of
knowledge is relative. Each student is different, and their education should fit
their needs.
I see to it that education should help my learners to grow both mentally and
emotionally. I give my students the right to think on their own. They should not
have to conform to something in which they do not believe. They should have
their own thought processes. For me, the best philosophical approach toward a
child’s education is progressivism.
My teaching method will let the students become a skilled worker and pass the
TESDA National Certificate Level II who can use their knowledge and skills in the
“outside world”. The track that I have chosen is Technical Vocational and
Livelihood - Housekeeping. This track is important because it provides
opportunities for my students to be employed in a hotel establishment after
graduation in Senior High School and have income of their own.
Instead of being a strict teacher, I am a facilitator. My classroom is one of control,
and not one with a strict code of order. I feel that if a teacher orders student
around they will be given less respect. If I keep them in line without being too
controlling, they will be more effective learners. I created a type of democracy in
which everyone will have a voice in their educational curriculum.
I believe, students should be allowed to have some sort of input into the type of
education they are receiving. If I think they do not like something on what I am
doing, I took the time and listen to their ideas. I don’t act like I am more intelligent
than they are. I believe that teachers should operate on the same level and
receive as much as they give.
My lessons are focused on the student-centered philosophy. In this philosophy,
my learners are extremely influenced by their environment. Schools and
curriculum are based upon the learner’s needs and real-world experiences. My
student can learn a lot from reading a book or watching a film on a subject, but
to really grasp the concept and be able to carry it on throughout the years, a
student needs to experience the subject in one way or another. Different ways to
do this would be to do a performance task, self-directed instructions or even
teach the other students about it.

1
I believe in rewarding and punishing behaviors in the classroom. If there are any
problems in the classroom, I will address the student personally and privately. I
will find a way to deal with the problem together. If, however, the problem
persists, I will take the proper measures to make sure the problem won’t happen
again. I also recognize good behavior and achievements of my students. I feel
that students will strive harder if they know that their hard work will be
acknowledged and rewarded.
As a facilitator, I intend to be a role model for my students. I never do or say
anything that I would not want them to repeat. My students are free to come and
talk to me when they have a problem no matter what it deals with. If I can help in
any way, I will.
“I don’t struggle to be a better teacher than everybody else. I simply be a
better teacher than I ever thought I could be” – Robert John Meehan