Teaching Philosophy, Teaching Style
I teach in such a way that students can gain the tools and experience to help them successfully contribute to the world today. In that respect, my teaching philosophy is based on empowering students so that they are equipped to both have aspirations and fulfill them in a way that is socially productive. Subsequently, one of the fundamental characteristics of my teaching philosophy is to encourage students, and provide the sort of nurturing and positive reinforcement that fosters confidence and enables them to firstly believe in themselves and in their own abilities. Thus, there is a definite aspect of care and care ethics that actuates the way I teach. This principle is well aligned with my belief in positive reinforcement as one of the fundamental ways of bolstering the learning prowess of students through techniques such as constructive criticism. Additionally, I also attempt to teach in a way that utilizes the Socratic Method as much as possible, even working with young learners. Although it is necessary to maintain an authoritarian presence with students for the sake of classroom management, when it comes to imparting didacticism I believe it is more advantageous for students to perceive their lessons as an educational experience that we are all embarking on, including me in my role as the instructor. Thus, I am frequently found utilizing leading questions and a democratic process of learning that is definitely Socratic (Sanford, 2003) in...
Moreover, I am also convinced of the tenet referred to as tabula rasa, which plays a profound role in why I have adopted the aforementioned teaching philosophy. I truly believe that students are akin to the sort of blank slate denoted by this concept (of tabula rasa) (Bunch, 1994), and that as pedagogues we are tasked with forming and shaping them in such a way that they can make positive contributions to society. I realize there are some instructors who believe that socio-economic circumstances, geographic location, genetics, and a host of other factors inform one's character. Although I am not challenging any of these viewpoints, my primary conviction is that students are that proverbial blank slate when they come into my classroom, and that it is my job to equip them with the knowledge, understanding, and kindness to go forth with a respect for learning and a responsibility to the greater community at large.
My…
