Teaching Philosophy
“You can teach a student a lesson for a day; but if you can teach him to learn by creating curiosity,
he will continue the learning process as long as he lives.” - Clay P. Bedford
he will continue the learning process as long as he lives.” - Clay P. Bedford
My teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that enhancing curiosity is equivalent to empowering students to take initiative towards their own growth. Thus, learning must be authentic and applicable. Students must see how what they are learning in the classroom extends and can be applied beyond school walls and can be used as life skills to equip in their transition into adulthood. Encouraging students to become invested and proactive in their own learning allows them to take ownership of what they learn.
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I believe that learning can happen anywhere, anytime, and is an ongoing process which opens up endless possibilities. Learning can, of course, take place in its most traditional sense, through reading books or doing worksheets, but it is when a student is able to expand on a concept or challenge an idea that knowledge has been made more meaningful. It is my responsibility to scaffold and guide the students through all of these processes. I have to craft platforms where meaningful learning can occur, encourage them to think creatively and engender the eagerness of wanting to know more.
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Moreover, I want my students to be aware of their membership in society and in the community. They should feel proud of who they are and, more importantly what they have to offer. In order for the classroom to be a truly educative and enculturating environment, it should be a safe place where students know they are respected and loved. They should know that they have the capacity to bring about change in any field or endeavor that they are passionate about. Understanding that children are unique in their experiences and bring with them their own endowment of strengths and weaknesses is the first step in understanding their needs. Finding multiple ways to reach every student is essential in creating an atmosphere where students feel included and don’t doubt their membership in this learning community.