Lesson 3: My Personal Philosophy of Education

CAPTURE (PREPARATION):
Videoke Time

A. Let’s sing along to a video of the song “The Greatest Love of All”.
B. Write down significant lines from the song
C. Share this with your group and explain their significance in light of the teaching
profession

CONNECT (PRESENTATION):

After having gone through the previous lesson on the different philosophies of education,
you may now start considering your own philosophy of teaching. You have had much time to
reflect on those ideas and discussed the education issues leading into this lesson. So, let’s get
more specific about the philosophies that influence formal education and look to see which (or
perhaps a combination of several) would best help to articulate your own thinking.

Keep in mind that a personal philosophy is a personal matter. Nobody is trying to tell you
what to think. Philosophy influences the messages we sent to students formally and informally.

What does a philosophy of education contain or include? Bilbao , et.al. ( 2015) tells us
that a personal philosophy of education must contain the following concepts about:

1. The human person, the learner in particular and the educated person.
2. What is true and good and therefore must be taught.
3. How a learner must be taught in order to come close to the truth.

Let’s consider these samples : (from http://oregonstate.edu/instruct/ed416)

Sample #1    My Philosophy Statement on Education

I believe that each child is a unique individual who needs a secure, caring, and
stimulating atmosphere in which to grow and mature emotionally, intellectually,
physically, and socially. It is my desire as a educator to help students meet their fullest
potential in these areas by providing an environment that is safe, supports risk-taking,
and invites a sharing of ideas. There are three elements that I believe are conducive to
establishing such an environment, (1) the teacher acting as a guide, (2) allowing the
child's natural curiosity to direct his/her learning, and (3) promoting respect for all things
and all people.

When the teacher's role is to guide, providing access to information rather than acting as
the primary source of information, the students' search for knowledge is met as they
learn to find answers to their questions. For students to construct knowledge, they need
the opportunity to discover for themselves and practice skills in authentic situations.
Providing students access to hands-on activities and allowing adequate time and space

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 to use materials that reinforce the lesson being studied creates an opportunity for
individual discovery and construction of knowledge to occur.

Equally important to self-discovery is having the opportunity to study things that are
meaningful and relevant to one's life and interests. Developing a curriculum around
student interests fosters intrinsic motivation and stimulates the passion to learn. One
way to take learning in a direction relevant to student interest is to invite student
dialogue about the lessons and units of study. Given the opportunity for input, students
generate ideas and set goals that make for much richer activities than I could have
created or imagined myself. When students have ownership in the curriculum, they are
motivated to work hard and master the skills necessary to reach their goals.

Helping students to develop a deep love and respect for themselves, others, and their
environment occurs through an open sharing of ideas and a judicious approach to
discipline. When the voice of each student is heard, and environment evolves where
students feel free to express themselves. Class meetings are one way to encourage such
dialogue. I believe children have greater respect for their teachers, their peers, and the
lessons presented when they feel safe and sure of what is expected of them. In setting
fair and consistent rules initially and stating the importance of every activity, students
are shown respect for their presence and time. In turn they learn to respect themselves,
others, and their environment.

For myself, teaching provides an opportunity for continual learning and growth. One of
my hopes as an educator is to instill a love of learning in my students, as I share my
own passion for learning with them. I feel there is a need for compassionate, strong, and
dedicated individuals who are excited about working with children. In our competitive
society it is important for students to not only receive a solid education, but to work with
someone who is aware of and sensitive to their individual needs. I am such a person and
will always strive to be the best educator that I can be.

 Sample #2    Philosophy Statement

I believe the children are our future...

I believe each and every child has the potential to bring something unique and special to
the world. I will help children to develop their potential by believing in them as capable
individuals. I will assist children in discovering who they are, so they can express their
own opinions and nurture their own ideas. I have a vision of a world where people learn
to respect, accept, and embrace the differences between us, as the core of what makes
life so fascinating.

Teach them well and let them lead the way...

Every classroom presents a unique community of learners that varies not only in abilities,
but also in learning styles. My role as a teacher is to give children the tools with which to
cultivate their own gardens of knowledge. To accomplish this goal, I will teach to the
needs of each child so that all learners can feel capable and successful. I will present
curriculum that involves the interests of the children and makes learning relevant to life.
I will incorporate themes, integrated units, projects, group work, individual work, and

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 hands-on learning in order to make children active learners. Finally, I will tie learning
into the world community to help children become caring and active members of society.

Show them all the beauty they possess inside. Give them a sense of pride...
My classroom will be a caring, safe, and equitable environment where each child can
blossom and grow. I will allow children to become responsible members of our classroom
community by using strategies such as class meetings, positive discipline, and
democratic principles. In showing children how to become responsible for themselves as
well as their own learning, I am giving them the tools to become successful in life, to
believe in themselves, and to love themselves.

Let the children's laughter remind us how we used to be...

Teaching is a lifelong learning process of learning about new philosophies and new
strategies, learning from the parents and community, learning from colleagues, and
especially learning from the children. Children have taught me to open my mind and my
heart to the joys, the innocence, and the diversity of ideas in the world. Because of this,
I will never forget how to smile with the new, cherish the old, and laugh with the
children.

CULTIVATE (PRACTICE):
Discuss, based on the sample philosophies:

a. What philosophies of education are reflected in the samples?

b. What are the teacher’s concepts of the learner?
c. What are the teacher’s concepts on values?
d. What does the teacher believe to be her primary task?

Small group presentation of outputs. Alternatively, respective groups are given topics to be
presented on an appropriate graphic organizer. The graphic organizer should show and explain
the influence or connection of the philosophies to education and teaching in terms of goals of
education, teaching approaches, teacher roles and real-life examples.

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CULMINATE (PERFORM):
Ed 112- The Teaching Profession
Name of
Student:________________________________Prog/Year/Sec__________________Group___

Journal No. 10
MY PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION

Your philosophy of education is your “window” to the world and your “compass”
in life. Your philosophy is your own thought and formulation, never formulated for you
by another. Write your own philosophy of education

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 Picture Not Mine. Credits to the Owner.

Ed 112- The Teaching Profession

Name of
Student:________________________________Prog/Year/Sec__________________Group___

Journal No. 11
REFLECTIONS ON MY PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY
1. With the philosophy you have formulated,
a. How will you treat your students?
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b. What will you teach?
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c. How will you teach?
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2. From which philosophies did you draw your personal philosophy of education?
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3. Do you think your philosophy will change as you grow in knowledge?
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