Personal Philosophy of Education
“ Tell me and I’ll forget; show me and I may remember;
involve me and I’ll understand. ”
~ Chinese Proverb
“Student centered teaching lies at the core of any effective classroom”. I strongly believe that a student centered approach is the best method for teaching students mathematics. I always design my lessons, classroom activities, and assessments with the students in mind. I create interesting and creative lessons that engage students and really help them to learn and discover the material. I always have alternative methods of teaching a concept ready to show students. By doing this, students can see a different method or point of view that may reinforce and/or increase their understanding. This may also help some students who did not really “get it” the first way it was taught.
I also adapt my teaching styles and techniques to benefit the students that I am teaching. I believe that it is important for teachers to find out what types of learners they have in their classrooms. Students usually fall in one (or more than one) of three categories. Students can be auditory, visual, and/or kinesthetic learners. When teachers create lessons, they should incorporate activities that address and benefit the different types of learners they have in their classrooms.
In addition, I believe that it is important for students to learn mathematics through discovery. When you discover how to do something, it is more likely that you will remember how to do it later on. I also believe that a teacher should be a facilitator, guiding students to discover new and interesting concepts in mathematics. It is important for teachers to act as “guides” and not to always tell students how to do something or just give them answers.
Furthermore, I think that one of the most important goals as a mathematics teacher is to give students the skills and tools needed to become great problem solvers. “Good problems give students the chance to solidify and extend their knowledge and to stimulate new learning. Most mathematical concepts can be introduced through problems based on familiar experiences coming from students' lives or from mathematical contexts”. I believe in giving students problems that not only relate to their life, but interest and inspire them to solve as well. It is so important to make connections between mathematical concepts and everyday life because students will see why the topics they are learning is useful and beneficial for them to learn.
Additionally, I think that it is important to incorporate technology into the classroom whenever possible. Technology helps make mathematics fun and interesting for the students. For example, in student teaching, I used PowerPoint to create Jeopardy review games to help students review for quizzes and tests. Students loved playing the games and had fun while doing math!
Finally, I also believe in incorporating cooperative learning activities in my classroom. I think that it is important for students to be able to work with their peers; either with a partner or in a small group. One of my favorite teaching strategies for cooperative learning is peer teaching. Peer teaching allows students to explain how to do something in their own words which really helps to solidify their own understanding.
In summary, I believe in a student centered approach to teaching mathematics. I create interesting, discovery lessons that address all the different types of learners in my classroom. I incorporate technology whenever possible and try to relate the topics to real life situations to help motivate students. I use cooperative learning often so that students can work together and learn from one another. Through this philosophy, I have greatly impacted my students during student teaching and I hope to continue sharing my love for mathematics with others throughout my teaching career.
Resources:
Auditory, Visual, Kinesthetic Learners