Mindanao State University

GRADUATE SCHOOL
General Santos City

Reflection Paper on Philosophical and Psychological Foundations of

Education (EDUC 201)
Loraine M. Diazon
MAED Reading 2019

Introduction
Being part of the Department of Education as a high school teacher, has given
me the opportunity to gain a greater appreciation for education and its importance. In
my two years experiences, I have noticed the number of students entering school
being unable to read, recall, infer or comprehend even they are already in secondary
level. I have witnessed some freshmen who belongs to indigenous ethnicity with no
phonemic awareness, very little sight word recognition, and little to no awareness of
school and its importance. My daily task is to instil the value of education. I usually
ask my students regarding their future goals, dreams, and how education will play an
intricate part in their success and achieving those goals.
Education is the core element in which all other professions are based and
rooted. Every profession involves the human connection of educating and pouring
into the spirit. I believe that all students can learn and that learning is a lifelong
process that can be achieved with students, parents, and the community.

Philosophy of Life

During our class in Philosophical and Psychological Foundations of Education

(EDUC 201), I realize that people are complicated and hold various experiences is
the key to maturity and adult growth. School life is my life, and my daily mission is
not a job but a calling. It is an opportunity to have a positive impact on students and
their futures. Pouring quality information into my students in most cases is the only
positive affirmation some of them may receive.
As an educator, I am dense in my certainty of knowing that education and true
quality of education is the foundation and path to any successful career. The
connection between school and active learning is synonymous with success and
prosperity. Active learning is essential for a full and productive life. With education,
one must be intentional, attentive and conscientious of and recognize the value of
the presented opportunities. This active involvement makes the work meaningful and
creates success. According to Froebel’s educational philosophy in order for this to
take place the student must be in a happy, harmonious environment in which he or
she can grow and the whole person can be built.

Psychological Foundations of Education

Being in public education, I have come to realize that building positive
relationships is the connection between school and learning. Students come to
school with various experiences and unclaimed baggage. As educators, it is
important that we recognize and attend and teach the whole child while leaving no
stone unturned.

The 21st century educational system and its students does not allow for
antiquated and traditional settings and behaviors. The physical settings no longer
require students to stay seated in straight rows while the teacher lectures. Because
today’s students are different, the learning must be different and presented in a
manner at the students’ present level of understanding. Teachers must utilize various
pedagogical methods to meet the varying needs of the learners. The learners must
be able to actively engage in the process of learning, which includes but not limited
to developing critical thinking skills through open dialogue and peer interaction. In
addition, teachers should ask thought provoking, deep, probing questions, which
extends the learners’ thinking. Because the learner has various learning styles, it is
imperative the teacher is equipped with a multitude of instructional practices in order
to differentiate the instruction to meet students at their present level of
understanding. Active engagement and the promotion of meaningful technology
usage assists in bridging the deficit gap and critical understanding.
Teachers must educate themselves to become familiar with today’s students
and their learning styles. Understanding learning styles assists the teacher with the
improvement of instructional delivery and overall classroom management. Positive
peer interaction can motivate each student to do their best.
Teacher-Learner Relationships
To be a teacher is a true calling that only special people can and should
answer. Being a teacher is about the human experience and making a spiritual
connection with those whom you are in with.
The role of a both learner and teacher are important for the others existence.
The learner is one who challenges the teacher to critically think and ask probing
questions in order to extend their mental capacity. In addition, the learner actively
engages in the lesson/conversation and acquires relevant information that is prudent
to their success. Ultimately, the learner has to be intrinsically motivated to gain
knowledge. The role of a quality teacher is able to reach deep within their learners
and appeal to their hearts. By doing this, the teacher can make a connection with the
learners and guide them appropriately while communicating the importance of an
education and allowing them to see and understand to true benefits of their
educational journey. Once the connection between learner and teacher have been
established, the teacher can speak words of encouragement, life, and longevity into
the learner and giving them a great appreciation for education and its value.
One cannot exist without each other. I have noticed that teachers who
positively interact with their students experience success on a greater level
compared to those teachers who do not clip into their students. Mutual respects are
the foundation to a successful teacher-student relationship. Same as what we are in
our graduate studies. The professors set the tone for and model respectful behavior.
We are continuously growing as educators.

Learners
It is very significant for teachers to know their learners and how they learn.
Life experiences varies and that must be taken into account when educating our
youth. Understanding my learners and appreciating their differences is crucial to both
their success and my success as their teacher. Being willing to explore those
differences give me a tangible understanding of instructional practices that would be
benefit their learner, especially most of my students are B’laans.
As a teacher, I should be able to utilize various instructional practices to reach
my learners and allow them to be successful. It is extremely important to meet the
learner at their present level of understanding and grow their knowledge base. The
learners’ life experiences has an impact on their instructional understanding whether
positive or negative.

Conclusion
Education is the basis in which all other professions grow. Educating students
about the world and the beauty of God’s glory is the most fulfilling task that can ever
be experienced. Conflict occurs when teachers are not kept abreast with the change
of society. My Psychological Foundations of Education class with Dr. Joharia L.
Nicart has imparted me to the objective of education which is to help learn things and
changed into a better person. In the end, it is my obligation to be sensible in meeting
the various needs of my students and their learning styles in order to meet their
academic, social and emotional needs.