Teaching Philosophy

My teaching philosophy is based on five main beliefs: Passion, respect, opportunity, challenge and inclusion. All five beliefs are seen as equal and mutual, i.e. from the teachers and students perspectives. They are closely linked, and cannot be seen separately.

Passion
Passion is arguably the most important ingredient to every good teaching. This can be twofold: Passion for teaching and passion for the subject area. Students have an intuitive feeling for the teacher’s likes and dislikes, and negative vibes sent out by the teacher effect the learning environment to a large extent. I believe passion influences the quality of students’ participation, involvement and achievement. In my experience, I noted that when I am passionate about a subject area, my teaching improves to the extent where I enjoy my role greatly. In believing this, I am saying that I value passion from within. I can relate this to theorist Palmer 1998, where he quoted good teaching is an act of hospitality toward the young.

Respect
When the teacher respects students and their opinions, it is very likely that students in return have respect for the teacher. I belief respect in learning is taking the children where they are at, and seeing their potential to be the best that they can be. In addition respecting students’ cultural background and beliefs creates pathways for the teacher to understand their learning difficulties. In believing this I value ‘mana’ – quality of a person. I will apply this within my classroom environment in teaching the following ways: develop good ‘mana’ in students by valuing and celebrating differences and noting students’ opinions and their needs with an open mind. In Hawaiian culture, mana is about one’s supernatural gifts from within. Mana relates to the New Zealand Heath Curriculum Document about ‘Hauora’ – one’s physical, social and spiritual wellbeing.

Opportunity
Opportunity opens many doors for students to discover themselves, their strengths and their weaknesses. I believe quality teaching need to provide a variety of learning opportunities. Giving formative feedback at the time where it is needed is imperative to address students’ next steps. I have an awareness of individuality and learning styles. Thus I will apply this within classroom environment by applying one concept in multiple contexts such as hands on experiences, interactive learning, singing and presenting, sharing news and ideas, creative activities and giving time for students to respond and justify their reasons during discussions. Studies have shown that students need four practices or experiences to grasp each concept in their learning.


Challenge
I believe challenge encourages critical thinking; to take risks in their learning in order to acquire higher skills and knowledge. In believing this I value children’s ability to think- about- the thinking (metacognition) strategies and the process of their learning. I agree with Gambone et.al (2002) that children must have challenging activities to progress in their skills and abilities. Thus I will endeavor to provide an inquiry-base learning that is related to their interest and the communities.

Inclusion
Psychologists have long argued about inclusion on the grounds of equity and human rights, and teaching is a way of knowing, observing and responding to students’ abilities. I believe this is the most important belief in my philosophy and that a sense of belonging has a great effect on one’s confidence and achievements. In saying this I will be creative in transforming my classroom so that everyone has a valued place, role and educational future: we are moving into the 21st century learning and what it means to be different in the world. I will embrace those differences in many positive ways.