My Teaching Philosophy in a College Aviation Department

¶ … Teaching Philosophy in a College Aviation Department The choice of one's profession may come about in various ways for different people. There are those who have dreamt of their professions since childhood and worked hard at achieving their dreams. Others though did not arrive at the decision until they reach college and practiced what they have studied for thereafter. Still there are those who never imagined being in a profession they are at but ended up doing so for one reason or another and excelled in the field.

Then there are people who have the enviable position of being able to be who they want to be and at the same time have the chance of imparting the knowledge and wisdom they have with the profession they have been practicing. For my part, I can say that I fall in the category of being able to have the profession I have always dreamt of and also have the opportunity to impart what I have learnt and experienced in the practice of my profession.

Indeed, there are numerous noble professions but I believe that one of the noblest of them all is becoming a teacher or an educator. To teach is to impart knowledge to those who have the thirst for learning. Personally, I do not consider teaching merely as a profession to earn a living but rather a vocation. It is a calling in the service of humankind in order to ensure the continuity and resilience of the human race via the transfer of knowledge and wisdom.

Without teachers or educators, the future of humanity can never be assured because there would be no one to provide the needed learning to succeeding generations. But as an educator, I do not believe in merely "teaching" of providing the information and knowledge to my students. Rather, I want to be not only an educator but their mentor and guide who will provide the learning but at the same time peak their minds to question what is being learnt, the relevance thereto and the practical application in the real world.

Thus, proper theories will always be the foundation of my teaching methodology but with solid application to what is truly happening in order to prepare the learners in real life. In doing so, I am ensuring that learners have a well-rounded education that is detail oriented and readily applicable whence they enter the work environment.

Since I will be teaching in an aviation department preparing adult learners become part of the wonderful and yet challenging field of aeronautics and aviation, the endeavor is more profound because these are people who will be responsible for thousands of lives. Consequently, I must be able convey to them the criticality of the profession they are entering at.

They may end up as aircraft mechanics, flight control operators, airline pilots, ground and air crews and other related aviation professions but ultimately, their education is not enough to see them through as well as the people they are charged to take care of. It is thence important that they learnt how to be conscientious not only in the exercise of their professions but be fully responsible in executing their duties to the best of their abilities.

As a teacher, it may not be easy because each and every person has different beliefs, perceptions and personalities. To ensure though that I can at least provide positive work ethics and attitudes, I shall serve as a role model in order for my students to understand that the aviation industry is not only a provider of various professions but one that requires the diligent exercise or responsibilities and acceptance of accountabilities.

The above may be easier said than done but in accepting the teaching "vocation," I am accepting the responsibilities and accountabilities not only in terms of impart theoretical and practical information and knowledge on aviation but in the social responsibility and governance side thereof.

I will be a teacher, an educator, a guide, and a mentor who will not be content at "talking the talk" but also "walking the walk." When I teach my students about work ethics and accountabilities, I will not be doing so because the "book says so" but because I myself have strong work ethics and do not cringe away from responsibilities and accountabilities. Whenever I speak in front of the class, I will be speaking from years of experience.