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Sara Jacklin
Professor Loetman
December 6, 2013
My Philosophy of Education
The purpose of education is a combination of several factors. It is essential for students to
learn how to interact with one another in their school environment. Learning how to socialize in
school as early as possible will be beneficial for the future. Students will become more
comfortable and effective with speaking to others. Education also provides a way for students to
learn about each others beliefs and cultures. Introducing different ways of life starting from a
young age will keep students open minded about how others live. Education provides
opportunities to learn through life experiences and is not necessarily just subject based.
The age level of my learners will be from prekindergarten through third grade, the
primary level. Learners are expected to think before their actions and make good choices. They
are to follow the rules of the classroom and be aware of possible consequences. As teachers, we
need to encourage students to have a voice. We need to take the students beliefs and thoughts
into consideration when developing lessons. Students voices matter in order for them to become
active members of society. The philosophy of Pragmatism illustrates my belief of how to
establish a learning environment that is most beneficial for the students.
To create a solid learning foundation, effective classroom management is essential. For
the students and teacher to work together, practicing an authoritative style of classroom
management is key. Following William Glassers choice theory by allowing childrens need for
power and belongingness, will keep students engaged, thus creating an effective classroom
management. Constructivism ideas of Piaget and Vygosky are useful in developing instructional
strategies. Multimedia, field trips and guest speakers are helpful tools in achieving this.

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Multimedia can include movies, webcasts and online documents. Field trips are a way for
students to get outside of the classroom, explore and experience different situations. Bringing in
guest speakers allows the students to interact with other people and exchange their thoughts.
Students can learn about the guest speakers experiences and apply it to their own or get some
insight. Curriculum design is also successful when following the constructivism ideas of Dewey,
Jean Piaget and Maria Montessori. The uses of manipulatives or concrete objects for materials
are beneficial. Students are able to engage in hands- on experiences and develop a sense of
creativity as well as their own perspective of how things work. According to Maslows
humanistic theory, students learn to develop individual potential. Formative assessments would
be the most useful to this theory. The students are able to reflect on what they do and do not
understand, and learn from it.
Some children are able to learn material quicker than others, but some may take more
time to comprehend. To establish an environment where there is a balance of needs for all
students, the following is a beneficial technique. When students are working on independent
work, those students that need extra help can be pulled off to the side and work on material they
need help with. To avoid students from feeling isolated, they can work together to problem solve
and help one another. Students will benefit by being able to work at their own comfortable pace.
My goal for my students is for them to learn under an affective perspective. The ideas of
Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslows humanistic theory of a student centered curriculum, is
essential in meeting this goal. It is important for the students to be focused on a curriculum that
is based on their interest and curiosities. Students will be able to take what they learn and apply it
to their future development in the world.
As teachers, we are responsible for recognizing the diversity of children in the classroom.

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Students are to not feel isolated because of their culture. They need to know that their culture is
important but not superior over any other student. Materials and lesson plans are useful when
they are not culturally based, but instead embrace the benefits that diversity offers to American
culture. Additionally, at times we may have students whose second language is English. We
want all students to have the ability to understand what is being taught. It is important to provide
English as a Second Language (ESL) classes to those who would benefit from it.
Incorporating others in education will help the students expand their experience in the
classroom. Teaching global awareness gives students an understanding about how others live and
how their everyday decisions affect the world. Methods of how to bring in global awareness
include e-pals, current events, and having a multicultural calendar. E-pals will help students
interact with other students from other countries. Students can use computer programs such as
Skype, to work on common curriculum work. Current event news articles in newspapers or on
the internet can provide students with an understanding of what is happening globally. Students
can conduct thoughts on why certain events are taken place and what they can do to help. A
multicultural calendar is a way to incorporate diversity of religions and holidays that are taken
place around the world. Students will benefit from the opportunity of learning about different
cultures. Additionally, involving colleagues, administration, parents and the community in
education is effective. Sharing lesson plans back and forth with your colleagues can improve and
expand both parties teaching methods. Administrators can also talk over with teachers about
new ideas that can be helpful. Parents can get involved in their childrens education by being a
part of the class and volunteering. Parent teacher conferences allow parents and teacher to
communicate back and forth of the students progress. A way for the community to be involved
is by bringing in new materials as well as donating their time to be involved in classroom

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activities.
Developing a philosophy of education, will help you run a classroom more effectively
and properly. The theories of Dewey, Piaget, Glasser and other philosophers will help guide me
in achieving my goals as a teacher. Certain accommodations and specific measures need to be
taken place in order to establish a successful learning environment. Education is achieved best
when both the students and teacher are involved.