Philosophy of Education

Every student can learn, just not on the same day, or the same way. George Evans

Every student can learn. Regardless of the challenges that can arise from learning disabilities,
differing socioeconomic statuses and the extreme variances from student to student it is my
responsibility, every educators responsibility, to rise and meet the needs of every single student. I
firmly believe students need more from their educators than just content. They need to learn love,
compassion, honesty, manners and thinking skills as well as content. By modeling these behaviors
and correcting wrong actions I will help my students gain irreversible skills that they will forever
need.
It is not the answer that enlightens but the question. Eugne Ionesco

It is the obligation of educators to teach content but also to teach students how to think
critically. Critical thinkers are key to our world and its progress. I will utilize inquiry based learning
in my classroom. I believe this learning style is a successful model for students to observe, practice
and achieve problem solving skills. The students will observe higher level thinking by watching the
teacher model the desired process as well as watching their fellow classmates. They will in turn be
able to practice inquiring as a basis for learning by going through the process themselves. I will have
the students pose questions and investigate for the answers. Once the answer is found we will discuss
their conclusion and reflect on their findings. As I was taught, perfect practice makes perfect. My
students will practice effectively inquiry based learning. If it is needed I will guide students through
the process. Student responsibility for learning will lead to ownership of their learning.
Consequently, progress will occur. This will make my classroom student centered. It is essential for
students to actively participate in their education.
It is ironic that obsession with perfectionism in education will stifle learning through the abhorrence of
mistakes, since the nature of learning requires mistakes by definition. ... Mistakes are means for changing
and a compass for productive inquiry. Tom Lauer

Mistakes will be acknowledged in my classroom as a stepping stone in the learning process.

Without mistakes we would never learn. Some of the greatest lessons that I, myself, have learned is
because I made an error. Whether the error is in judgment or just an inaccuracy it is a means to an
answer or solution. Science is the study of the world through observation and experiments. First, we
have to come up with a hypothesis, an educated statement. Then, we search and investigate to either
prove we were right or we were wrong. Being wrong is a part of science. Being wrong is a part of
life. My students will know that not only is it alright to make a mistake but in order to be successful
making mistakes is expected.
As an educator I know I can pass on my adoration of learning by sharing my own quest for
knowledge with my students. Individualized teaching, inquiry based learning and embracing that
mistakes happen in any attempt at knowledge is the essence of my philosophy of education. The
collaboration of these ideas is going to enable my classroom to not only run effectively, but thrive.