Vintons Philosophy of Education

I believe that each learner is a unique individual who needs a secure, caring, and stimulating atmosphere in which to grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially. It is my desire as an educator to help learners meet their fullest potential in these areas by providing an environment that is safe, supports risk-taking, and invites a sharing of ideas. There are three elements that I believe are conducive to establishing such an environment, (1) the teacher acting as a guide, (2) allowing the learner's natural curiosity to direct his/her learning, and (3) promoting respect for all things and all people. As such my goal is to be an effective teacher who caters to the students through transmission, apprenticeship, developmental, nurturing, and social reform. When the teacher's role is to guide, providing access to information rather than acting as the primary source of information, the learner's search for knowledge is met as they learn to find answers to their questions. I think we should concentrate both on personal growth and on society. I believe in learning about society and our place in it, so that we can change what needs improvement for the sake of progress and the individual. The individual can help change society by first becoming good and learning about moral behavior. Respect and tolerance is the first step in that direction. A teacher's caring and nurturing attitude will aid learners as they discover how to respect and tolerate each other. Equally important to self-discovery is having the opportunity to study things that are meaningful and relevant to one's life and interests. Developing a curriculum around student interests fosters intrinsic motivation and stimulates the passion to learn. One way to take learning in a direction relevant to student interest is to invite student dialogue about the lessons and units of study. Given the opportunity for input, students generate ideas and set goals that make for much richer activities than I could have created or imagined myself. When students have ownership in the curriculum, they are motivated to work hard and master the skills necessary to reach their goals. Helping students to develop a deep love and respect for themselves, others, and their environment occurs through an open sharing of ideas and a judicious approach to discipline. When the voice of each student is heard,

and environment evolves where students feel free to express themselves. In turn they learn to respect themselves, others, and their environment. There are wide variety of reasons to teach music, regarding both music itself, and musics effects on a person. The true reasons to teach music are those that are fundamental to being affected emotionally by it. Music is beautiful. Through sound, we can feel the complete spectrum of human emotion; both the deepest despair to elation beyond which most peoples lives will ever reach. Beyond motor skills, reading notation, and an understanding of theory, a music education allows students to develop themselves as more expressive human beings. I believe that every student should receive a musical education, and that every student who wishes to perform deserves the opportunity. Hopefully the means are available to allow every interested student to perform with an instrument in band or sing in choir. Often students who dont participate in a school ensemble take a general music class, which I believe should work to develop a comprehensive appreciation for music. These students could learn to enjoy more classically or jazz-oriented music through study of the history of the popular music they regularly enjoy. Ultimately, it is my hope that this appreciation will lead to a life-long engagement in music, so that one day these students will buy a ticket to the symphony [ when we get one up and going in Jamaica] or perform in a community band. Musics uniqueness is contained in the way that it traverses many facets of human life and the world in which we live. A comprehensive music program involving performance, listening, creativity and a deeper understanding of music provides the best insight into this art. For this reason, music education is a necessary part of any complete school curriculum. For myself, teaching provides an opportunity for continual learning and growth. One of my hopes as an educator is to instill a love of learning in my students, as I share my own passion for learning with them. I feel there is a need for compassionate, strong, and dedicated individuals who are excited about working with learners. In our competitive society it is important for students to not only receive a solid education, but to work with someone who is aware of and sensitive to their individual needs. I am such a person and will always strive to be the best educator that I can be. Vinton Haughton July 2011