Introduction
My core teaching philosophy is that I believe all students can succeed in learning when they are placed in a context that is conducive to their educational attainment. It is unlikely that everyone will learn at the same pace because kids have different learning tendencies, which require applying different methods and strategies. However, as a teacher, I should never treat students the same; instead, their diverse experiences and skills can enhance the teaching process by broadening a teacher’s perspective. This means that creating positive environments for learning entails viewing students as part of the educational process that can contribute to classroom interactions through gaining and sharing knowledge.
Teaching Philosophy
From the standpoint of educational theories that influence my teaching philosophy, I prefer adhering to the constructivist perspective that reflects the ideas of Bruner’s Discovery Learning Theory, Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory, and Carter’s Cognitive Behavioral Theory (CBT). These theories allow me, as an educator, to consider ways to strengthen the opportunities for students to develop the necessary skills and knowledge to gain independence during the learning process.
Cognitive Behavioral Theory
For example, CBT is applied when a teacher adopts cognitive strategies aimed at helping students acknowledge and control their behaviors in the classroom, which, in turn, facilitates a positive and calm environment in which students can collaborate with their teacher (Tiller and Montreuil 2410).
Sociocultural Theory and Discovery Learning Theory
Vygotsky’s theory enables me as a teacher to foster students’ cognitive development through exposure to various cognitive tools that facilitate learning experiences. Finally, Bruner’s theory ensures that students learn actively through problem-solving, making informed decisions, and understanding basic principles.
Rationale Behind the Choice of Teacher Profession
The reason why I want to teach is that I believe that advancements in education are only possible through the personalized and positive experiences that can occur in the classroom. A teacher’s purpose is to effectively diagnose learners’ varied abilities, interests, and past knowledge, which suggests that all experiences planned in the classroom will allow every student to expand their horizons and grow as individuals.
A good teacher understands the motivation and effects of classroom interactions and peer learning. I want to ensure that all students have high levels of achievement based on their learning capabilities. I understand that most learning occurs through social interactions. When they occur in positive environments, the likelihood of productive collaboration between students increases.
Conclusion
While this paper focuses on exploring a teaching philosophy, I prefer thinking about teaching as helping others. I hope students feel safe, valued, and accepted when they come to my classroom. The teaching process, therefore, is not only concerned with giving and exchanging information but with fostering an environment in which learners are motivated to think and want to learn as much as possible for a successful life.
This can be achieved through continuously questioning everything about the world to facilitate active thinking among learners. While a teacher is expected to have the answers, it is important to show students that there are also questions for which there are no right answers. When placed in environments conducive to learning, students can become effective questioners and learn new things about the world and themselves.
Work Cited
Tiller, Micah, and Tina Montreuil. “Acceptability, implementation, and perceived utility of a school-based cognitive-behavioral intervention: A qualitative feasibility study.” Psychology in the Schools, vol. 60, no. 7, 2023, pp. 2409-2429.