Educationists should develop the best teaching philosophies and models. Such models should be guided by various theoretical and philosophical underpinnings in order to support the educational needs of more learners. A proper philosophy of education should be supported by the best teaching competencies. The philosophy should also be guided by the diverse needs of the targeted students (Gunter & Fitzgerald, 2007). This discussion gives a detailed analysis of my personal philosophy of education.
Analysis of the Education Philosophy
My personal philosophy of education is shaped by three unique theories. The philosophy embraces the use of intrinsic competencies and skills that have the potential to produce the most desirable results. As well, my philosophy focuses on evidence-based teaching models that can address the unique needs of different learners. In order to achieve the best results, a personalized model should be developed to address the needs of learners with diverse needs. The ultimate goal of the philosophy is to teach, guide, and empower more learners (Gunter & Fitzgerald, 2007). The philosophy also promotes the best relationships and delivers adequate support to more learners.
Theories
The first educational model is called the Social-Cognitive Learning Theory (Gunter & Fitzgerald, 2007). This “theoretical perspective argues that individuals can learn by observations behaviors and actions undertaken by others” (Ertmer & Newby, 2013, p. 49). By so doing, learners can gain new ideas and behaviors. The important thing is to ensure there is a role model or demonstrator. The second model used to guide my educational philosophy is the Control Theory of Motivation.
The model was developed by William Glaser and indicates that behavior is inspired by a person’s needs or wants (Gunter & Fitzgerald, 2007). This means that “behavior is not motivated by an outside stimulus” (Ertmer & Newby, 2013, p. 52). The third appropriate theory that defines my philosophy of education is Behaviorism. Proponents of this theoretical model believe that learning should be carefully controlled in order to ensure more individuals acquire new behaviors.
Reasons for Choosing the Theories
These three theories play a major role towards supporting my teaching objectives. I have embraced the use of Behaviorism because it supports the use of positive conditioning. This is a universal learning strategy that has the potential to produce desirable behaviors. The “Control Theory also makes it easier for me to negotiate both method and content with students with diverse needs” (Weegar & Pacis, 2012, p. 7). The provided instructions are aimed at enhancing the capabilities and potentials of my students. The Social Cognition Learning Model also emphasizes the importance of interaction. The learners can be allowed to engage in different activities in order to achieve the best behaviors and ideas.
Alignment with Learning and Teaching Approach
My educational philosophy focuses on the best approaches that have the potential to support the performance of different learners. To begin with, every learner wants to get the best outcomes. Parents, educationists, and guardians focus on the best approaches that can support the needs of learners with diverse needs. My educational philosophy is guided by the Control Theory of Motivation in order to produce quality results.
As a teacher, my role is to begin by analyzing the expectations of my learners. This knowledge makes it easier for me to promote the best behaviors that are in accordance with the students’ needs. The theory explains why I am a lead teacher (Gunter & Fitzgerald, 2007). A lead teacher offers appropriate rewards and encourages learners to outline their basic needs.
The newly-developed curriculum should support the learners’ educational needs. The concept of Behaviorism makes it easier for me to produce the best results. Both negative and positive reinforcements are implemented in order to deliver quality outcomes. The learners are also encouraged to interact with one another. Teachers, parents, stakeholders, and learners form strong teams that can deliver desirable outcomes. The Social Cognition Learning Model is therefore used to develop such teams. The “teacher should guide learners to perform new tasks and acquire new behaviors” (Ertmer & Newby, 2013, p. 59).
These three theories have therefore continued to support my educational philosophy. The learning environment is guided by such models thus availing new resources and tools to the students. The learner is given priority in order to ensure his or her educational needs are used to design the best curriculum. Personalized teaching models are developed to promote desirable behaviors. Assessments are “implemented in such a way that they target the potential development of the learner” (Weegar & Pacis, 2012, p. 16). Learners and teachers should collaborate throughout the teaching process.
How I Came To This Understanding
I have understood that every teaching process should be guided by the needs of the learner. The Control Theory of Motivation has made it easier for me to understand why students’ needs should be the main focus in every learning process. As well, I have undertaken numerous studies in order to identify the most desirable theories that can support the needs of more learners. The concept of multidisciplinary teams makes every teaching process successful (Gunter & Fitzgerald, 2007). In conclusion, the role of my philosophy is to deliver quality education to every learner.
Reference List
Ertmer, P., & Newby, T. (2013). Behaviorism, Cognitivism, Constructivism: Comparing Critical Features from an Instructional Design Perspective. Performance Improvement Quarterly, 26(2), 43-71.
Gunter, H., & Fitzgerald, T. (2007). Leading Learning and Leading Teachers: Challenges for Schools in the 21st Century. Leading and Managing, 13(1), 1-15.
Weegar, M., & Pacis, D. (2012). A Comparison of Two Theories of Learning: Behaviorism and Constructivism as Applied to Face-to-Face and Online Learning. E-Leader Manila, 1(1), 1-20.