Running head: PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION

Philosophy of Education

By: Joel Cooper

EDFD 2100 Educational Psychology

Dr. Tracie Pollard

04/27/2018
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In vain have you acquired knowledge if you have not imparted it to others. -Deuteronomy Rabbah
Philosophy of Education

The educators are teaching the leaders of tomorrow. Students are being exposed to a new and

increasingly diverse world. Along with the common core studies of math, reading, writing and the

sciences, we must also equip them with other skills that are necessary for success in the post school

world. Great leaders are not born, they are made. As educators we must give students the tools needed to

achieve self-control and discipline; however, before you can lead others you must first be able to lead

yourself. In the ever evolving and diverse environment that we now find ourselves in, we must provide

students with the ability to open their minds to new ideas and possibilities. Through collaboration and

team work, we can give students the opportunity to learn how to see things from the perspective of others.

With an ever-growing social media environment, educators must provide students with the ability to use

critical thinking and problem-solving skills to come to their own conclusions on provided information.

By not simply telling students what is, we take away the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of

provided content.

Leadership

"Talent without discipline is like an octopus on roller skates. There's plenty of movement, but you never

know if it's going to be forward, backwards, or sideways." -H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Before you can lead others, you must be able to lead yourself. Self-control and discipline are keys

to a healthy, successful life. The skills of personal initiative, innovation and proactiveness are a few skills

that make a good leader and are some of the same skills most employers look for when looking for

potential employees. personal initiative is the ability to know what needs to be done and when without

having to wait around for guidance. Innovativeness is finding new ways to solve an old problem with

more efficiency and effective methods. Proactiveness is the ability not only to plan what needs to be done

but also execute the plan. In the classroom students must be given the opportunity to exercise the skills
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needed to make them effective leaders. Through careful guidance, and group work, students should be

given the opportunity to refine and express their individual leadership styles.

Collaboration

Everyone you meet knows something you don’t. -Bill Nye

Helen Keller said “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” In the diverse

environments of the classroom as well as in the work place, it is essential students are provided the means

to collaborate effectively as members of a team. The skills gained from exposure and practice of

collaboration are important to student success outside of the classroom. Brainstorming is a skill needed in

all problem-solving situations. Students should be given a chance to work together as a team toward a

common goal. in doing so, they learn how to communicate and listen to ideas and ultimately implement

the most efficient plans. Collaboration, if used correctly, gives students a sense of purpose and value

which adds to their self-esteem and self-worth. With self-esteem and self-worth, students are given the

ability to partake and participate in activities with more confidence. Collaboration promotes problem

solving and learning because of the variety of new ideas presented from people with different

perspectives on the problem.

Guidance

“Spoon feeding in the long run teaches us nothing but the shape of the spoon.” -E. M. Forster

Overbearing instruction stifles imagination. Micromanagement does have its place in the

classroom, but it should not be used unless absolutely necessary. Micromanagement can stifle

imagination, problem-solving and curiosity. Teachers should act as the presenters of problems and

situations, and guides to assist students in finding the answers. By not being presented with solutions and

answers, students are given the opportunity to ask questions, use critical thinking, teamwork, and

problem-solving techniques. The skills gained by students who are guided instead of lead, all work

together to create self-worth, confidence and other skills that make successful and healthy adults after

school and in the work place.

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Conclusion

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”

-John Quincy Adams

No doubt the common core standards are essential to the preparation of students and to a life

outside of the education setting; however, we also need to prepare students for the social aspect of

everyday life. Through proper guidance, students could gain the skills associated with leadership and

collaboration; which are not only important to a healthy successful lifestyle, but success in all aspects of

life. Educators should be teaching students not only the skills needed to be successful in the classroom but

in society as well. By giving students the ability to practice and refine tools that are looked for in the

workforce and being an example to how one should conduct themselves, students will leave the classroom

fully prepared for life out in the world.