January 22 Individual Reflection

What is my teaching philosophy?

I feel that my teaching philosophy is quite detailed. To begin, the teaching should be an illustration of inclusion for all races and genders. To do this, a welcoming space can be created such as incorporating aspects into the classroom that resemble both Canada, or Saskatchewan in particular, along with other cultures’ values. The teaching should be incredibly educational based on the government provided curriculum. However, the lesson plans developed based on this curriculum should be fun too. In my classroom in general, bright colours should also be used in order to enhance a welcoming context. In summary, the teaching should be inclusive, educational, fun/intriguing, and welcoming.

What is core to my teaching philosophy? Why?

I feel that the idea of the classroom being educational and fun is core to my teaching philosophy. This tends to be a base for my future role as an educator for young children. An important aspect to my philosophy is that the kids are enjoying the experience, but still gain knowledge. Additionally, I have gotten this idea of a philosophy from past experiences and my personal opinion. Over the years of coaching and working at a preschool, I have been able to discover the surroundings, possibly agreeing to some aspects while disagreeing to others.

Identify one or two theorist(s), philosopher(s), or pedagogue(s) that speak to the idea(s) central to your teaching philosophy?

The first philosopher mentioned will be Albert Camus when he said, “Philosophical thoughts only begins when we challenge the logic of cliches with rigor and honesty”. (Todd, 1997, p. 92). This correlates to my teaching philosophy because a major aspect of mine is inclusion and a welcoming area. I will be working to challenge the logic or cliches about other races or genders in my classroom, and therefore creating philosophical thoughts.

What inspires you to want to be a better teacher?

I feel that the constant knowledge I am gaining, especially from my education classes in university, inspires me to be a better teacher. Hearing stories about other teachers and what may or may not have worked for them in the classroom, inspires me. It also allows for me to learn, and possibly understand that some actions in the classroom do not resemble a better teacher. Additionally, I want to teach students in a way that I have discovered to be inappropriate in this setting. I also enjoy seeing students happy and enjoying themselves. Therefore, this also inspires me to become a better teacher because I want to constantly ensure that my students are properly being taught while keeping interest.