MY PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION

I believe teaching is a progression of both transmission of knowledge

and construction of knowledge.

Because elementary age children do not

yet have extensive [life] experiences to draw upon, I believe learning will
result primarily from knowledge being transmitted to them through textbook
information. However, I also think it is important for students to understand
the relevance of the subject matter to their everyday life, resulting in the
constructive perspective of teaching. Answering the questions of who, what,
where, when, why, and how - are the basis from which all
knowledge/information is transferred. Transmitting knowledge through
textbooks provide the information of who, what, where and when, with the
questions of why and how to be answered by students, getting their point of
view.
Each students untapped abilities and talents are as unique as a
snowflake, with each having their own specific way or combination of
learning. It will be my task to determine which method or combination of
learning works for each. I believe each student is an individual, and I need to
emphasize their strengths and minimize their weaknesses. Taking this
approach will result in the student succeeding both academically and
socially. Transferring information and/or subject matter to my students will
be just as important as transferring a sense of self/community. After all, the
future citizens of our community are cultivated in the classroom.

The basic skills of reading, writing, and arithmetic are the building
blocks upon which more advanced concepts can be explored. The old
saying of you have to know how to walk before you run is a perfect analogy
for mastering the basics. Reading and writing develop the ability to
communicate effectively, and arithmetic develops problem solving skills. I
believe the communication and problem solving learned from the basics are
key in resolving current issues effecting our society and/or environment
today.
Most knowledge conveyed to students at an elementary age level
should be facts and information, with a conceptual application of that
information, giving them a hands on project to apply what they have just
learned. Because not all students retain subject matter the same way it is
important to determine how he/she learns and thinks. Based on research
done by psycho biologist Roger W Sperry in the late 1960s, the human brain
has two different ways of thinking left brain thinking and right brain
thinking. Left brain thinkers are more logical and analytical, and right brain
thinkers are more intuitive and simultaneous. It is important to determine
each students way of thinking so you can teach effectively teach to each
and every student.
My teaching philosophy primarily focuses on subject matter, with an
awareness of self and society, which means I agree with many of the
philosophies of perennialism, essentialism, and progressivism. I believe that

each student has their own God given talent that will allow him/her to make
their unique contribution to society, and its my responsibility to encourage
them to become the best they can be.

My Philosophy of Education
September 30, 2009

Christine Smith
College of Southern Nevada