My teaching philosophy is simple in 2014 and into the future, to develop my own educational philosophy, in my case I intend to provide the best qualities from all my mentor teachers into one approach that suits my personality especially towards Special Needs Learning (especially in the field of Autism and especially inclusion into Mainstream Learning,however not limiting me in this area). I see myself anywhere in the Stages where I can provide the best outcomes for the students I am teaching.
In order to do this I believe it needs such qualities as (1) teaching and creating an enjoyable learning outcome, (2) student commitment, (3) what is worth knowing and understanding, and (4) my own personal philosophy involving dedication; open mindedness; positivity, student centred approach where applicable, cultural awareness, further my own learning, collaboration between other colleagues and parents to provide an inclusive, supportive and encouragement environment, in order to facilitate the knowledge that will give students advance standings when they enter the community as either an academic, singer, actor, worker or whatever they individually choose to strive for.
To do this I am willing to encourage inclusiveness within the Stage of Learning I undertake in my placements for my teaching degree at this stage of my career and in future teaching the same principles I have learnt within my journey of continual growth in education.. To learn, ask questions from my mentors, the school community and parents and in the long term use this information to provide a role model for my students and fellow colleagues.
Learning needs vary from child to child and from this I will help students undertake the challenges as well as support all students in an environment that both encourages and respects diversity in areas such as Cultural, Disability, Race and Gender within the core beliefs of:
Teaching and creating an enjoyable learning outcome:
(1) Learning is not a natural ability for all children
(2) Learning will provide a sense of accomplishment in one's life
Student commitment:
(1) Trying to ensure that the level of activity is appropriate to the individual student's ability where available
(2) Involve the student and parent/caregiver in the decision making of an individual learning management plan when
available.
(3) Adhere to AITSL and State teaching standards at all times
(4) Be current with all industry changes through ongoing Personal Development
What is worth knowing and understanding?
(1) What is worth learning will be ultimately determined by the student themselves
(2) A student needs to feel secure in their environment in order to ensure their individual
learning abilities are being adhered to
Personal philosophy:
(1) Collaborating with colleagues, co-workers, parents and outside services
(2) I am a learner as well so therefore all teachers are continual learners in life
I aim to teach students in a very multi genre way. Areas such as interactive, (White Boards, Videos, Games), group discussion (reading and discussing the story), 1-1 level of learning in order to maintain strong parental, individual and worker relationships and keep track through diagnostic and formative assessments as well as anecdotal observations on their personal understanding of the topics being undertaken.
I know that what Stage of Learning I end up with that I will always act within the Professional Ethics which in my first placement will be the NSW Board of Education Code of Conduct. (http://www.nswteachers.nsw.edu.au/main-professional-teaching-standards/)
My philosophy will change the further into the role of teacher from a student point of view. However one life philosophy that will not change which my father taught me was to do your best, try your hardest and achieve the achievable as life will throw many detours and as long as you are your best there are no limits to what you can achieve.
Now in the final stages of my Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning in 2016, not much has changed in my philosophy except I now have more experience and realise the heart of my beliefs is what will make me a great teacher. The ability to continue to learn and expand my experiences ensures my basis to teaching will continue with a more all rounded approach to the differing situations a child/class/colleague/school motto that will come around throughout my teaching career.
Therefore as I obtain more experience in the world of Teaching I will keep in mind a couple of quotes that I have come across in my aspects towards teaching that makes me smile:
"Teach me and I will forget, show me and I may remember, involve me and I may understand" – Chinese Proverb
“In teaching, the greatest sin is to be boring.” - J.F. Herbert