Teaching Philosophy Teaching Is a Conversation. It

Teaching Philosophy

Teaching is a conversation. It is a dialogue, not a monologue. When a teacher strives to convey knowledge, he or she must do so with an awareness of the student body's needs and background. Teaching involves give-and-take: even when lecturing the teacher must do so with an awareness of whom she or he is lecturing to. Do the students have special needs? Are they familiar with this period of history? Are they likely able to relate to the character in the story?

Teaching is also a performance. Like a good performer, the teacher must know his or her audience: their strengths and weaknesses, and what frameworks of knowledge they 'bring to the table.' Although the teacher may have to convey a specific syllabus of content, the teacher cannot assume that every class has the same background. Teachers must also have sensitivity and understanding of student's cultural differences, social and personal challenges, and learning needs but also ask the students to adapt to the requirements of the wider classroom community.

A good teacher views the classroom as a learning experience for him or herself as well as for students. A good teacher learns from students and asks them to share their points-of-view, even when they disagree with one another or the teacher. A good teacher knows how to channel conflict and debate in a positive direction to generate growth. In my field of criminal justice, I would ask students in a classroom to share their personal experiences with the justice system, and compare these encounters with what they see on TV. Then I would ask them if they think 'cop shows' have been a positive or negative influence on the culture. Often the image of the justice system and the 'real thing' are very different, and asking students to volunteer life experience and opinions can encourage students to think more critically about media and culture. Students make offerings to the classroom, teachers channel those offerings.

A good teacher makes use of many different teaching techniques and uses visual, auditory, and kinesthetic ways of conveying information. Seeing something, hearing something, and doing a hands-on task reinforce different aspects of the lesson. Also, different students have different learning styles. What makes one student 'get' something is not the same for another student. Additionally, using different methods allows students to strengthen the methods of learning that they find challenging, as well as to use the skills that come naturally. In my field of criminal justice, students must be able to read critically and analyze texts, but also understand numerical data such as crime statistics. Future law enforcement agents must also have a certain level of kinesthetic fitness and awareness. Few disciplines exist today where a student can thrive and only master one content area.

While a good teacher is accommodating in some respects, it is also necessary that a teacher is fair and impartial in grading and assessment and does not play favorites. Just like teaching, assessment methods should use a wide variety of techniques, including exams, essays, portfolios, and presentations. Students should be able to work well individually and in groups, given that such skills are demanded by the nature of the modern marketplace.