Educational Philosophy
As a Manhattan College education student, I believe in many features of Humanistic Dialectical Constructivism. I especially believe in the Humanist aspect of this philosophy. I strongly agree that the worth of every student, including their emotions and feelings, attitudes, and values need to be emphasized and celebrated in the classroom. The reason I became a teacher is because I felt there was a lack of this philosophy in the classroom. I feel that it is necessary to make this a priority in order to promote learning and help every student. A student who does not receive this appreciation will respond in a negative manner and will not learn as effectivly. If they are appreciated they will become engaged and eager to learn.
I also believe in the Latin proverb, “By learning you will teach; by teaching you will understand.” Learning is most effective when it is authentic and students are directing their learning. The constructivist aspect of this philosophy greatly emphasizes this view. Every student learns differently, whether it is the result of a cultural, environmental, or individual characteristic that affects their learning. I believe that it is essential to provide different styles of learning to take place through the use of different multiple intelligences. There needs to be many opportunities for authentic learning to take place. I also believe in providing opportunities for students to become accountable for their learning. All of these strategies increases student engagement in learning and also teaches them how to learn.
Educators must hold high, reasonable, and realistic expectations for their students. The teacher needs to build opportunities for success to ensure that students do not become discouraged in learning. A teacher must also look to the individual progress of the student. Increasing pressure is put on high stakes testing, even if a student does not perform well on a test, a teacher needs to emphasize positive improvements and behavior.
I also believe in the Latin proverb, “By learning you will teach; by teaching you will understand.” Learning is most effective when it is authentic and students are directing their learning. The constructivist aspect of this philosophy greatly emphasizes this view. Every student learns differently, whether it is the result of a cultural, environmental, or individual characteristic that affects their learning. I believe that it is essential to provide different styles of learning to take place through the use of different multiple intelligences. There needs to be many opportunities for authentic learning to take place. I also believe in providing opportunities for students to become accountable for their learning. All of these strategies increases student engagement in learning and also teaches them how to learn.
Educators must hold high, reasonable, and realistic expectations for their students. The teacher needs to build opportunities for success to ensure that students do not become discouraged in learning. A teacher must also look to the individual progress of the student. Increasing pressure is put on high stakes testing, even if a student does not perform well on a test, a teacher needs to emphasize positive improvements and behavior.