What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe all students are capable of learning with the right instruction, guidance, and dedication of the proper teacher. A teacher needs to realize each student is uniquely different in his or her own way, meaning that each child will learn in a different style and manner. Teachers are to go above and beyond the role as instructing their students, but also be their mentor and role model; teaching with passion. Teachers are to be unconditionally caring, energetic, loving, enthusiastic, compassionate, passionate, patient, expressive, knowledgeable, and helpful. Students should go to school with joy and excitement to learn everyday as they enter the school building; never being afraid to ask questions. Teachers should get their students to be motivated to excel in every area of the student’s life. I understand that there are many different techniques and strategies to get a child to learn. Also, students all learn in different ways. Each classroom is filled with all different types of unique learners and it is the teacher’s responsibility to be sensitive to the needs of his or her students and what is best for them. I believe active learning and social interaction is a great way to get students to learn. Psychologist, Jean Piaget, has said that, social interaction is important along with active learning. Group discussions help each student learn new perspectives and helps students to be more open and embrace differences. Students should value their classmates and not fear criticism. The concept of, think-pair-share, is a great way for students to communicate with their classmates and learn from one another. This is a way for students to develop their ideas with one another. William Butler Yeats stated that, “teaching is not filling the pail, but the lighting of a fire.” This is a true and inspiring statement meaning that teachers need to motivate their children. Students are not put in the classroom to be filled with facts and have them do nothing with their knowledge, but rather get them to be motivated and make a difference in their community or go beyond. Education is to establish and ensure success in a student’s life; therefore, teachers need to help their students to be successful in every aspect of their life. Teachers need to be constantly reflecting on how to better their teaching style. If one technique does not work, then the teacher needs to try another direction with his or her teaching style. I believed self-reflection is the key to success in a teacher. If one cannot properly self-reflect, then there is no room for growth or development among the teacher. John Dewey states, “We do not learn from experience. We learn from reflecting on experience.” This statement is small, but extremely powerful. As a teacher, one learns to become better each day by reflecting on lessons, student interaction, and the overall flow of the classroom. Each day a teacher’s philosophy should be changing because of his or her reflections about his or her day in the classroom.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I can help a student become an independent learner by giving them the skills and tools to work through problems when they are alone. I will give my students the confidence and knowledge to know how to answer questions. It is about the process of getting the student to understand the material.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Keeping a student motivated is extremely important. The way I keep my students motivated is by figuring out their hobbies and the things in life that motivate them. Once I am made aware of these things, I use them in my teaching method to keep them motivated during lessons. Students need to realize learning is not boring and useless. They need to understand the importance of becoming a lifelong learner and how they have the ability to grow and develop into the successful student that is within them.