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A teaching or educational philosophy statement is a short essay that teachers usually write as a work guide, support for the objectives and explanation of the methodology to be used. They are commonly written during a job search at an educational institution.
What is the philosophy of teaching
The philosophy of teaching, also called educational philosophy, includes the reflections and objectives of an educational institution or a teacher. It is an organized text that seeks to frame all the qualities that are needed for better teaching and learning of the contents, as well as to create a motivating and enriching experience for students.
The philosophy of teaching is an attitude that aims to deal with the challenges of education, establishing clear objectives that must be achieved. It also covers the most convenient methods to achieve the proposed goals. In addition, it requires a broad knowledge of the most important concepts on psychological, cognitive and social issues of the human being.
Subsequently, it is the philosophy of teaching that influences and determines the school program of the students and the planning of the teachers. It also influences other important points such as the curriculum, textbooks, daily activities, and financial, recreational, and social aspects.
What is a statement of philosophy of teaching
A teaching philosophy statement is a one or two page essay where the author, who is usually a teacher or professor, reflects on and conveys his beliefs about what teaching and practice should look like, as well as his own abilities and goals. The Teaching Philosophy Statement is a personal text that is often developed during a job search at an educational institution.
The educational philosophy statement refers to a teacher’s beliefs and vision about the purpose of education and their own role as an educator.
The statement includes the author’s perspectives regarding everything related to the practice of his profession. He also mentions what he wishes to obtain from the implementation of his pedagogical and didactic methodology. Likewise, the statement establishes the goals that the teacher expects his students to achieve during the learning process.
In short, the teaching philosophy statement offers a description of the author in his role as a teacher. This is essential because a clear philosophy of teaching can work as a motivation for the teacher, favor teaching and promote his personal growth.
How to write a teaching philosophy statement
As in any text, it is convenient to keep the structure as clear and organized as possible, which conveys the message in the best way. Some of the aspects to consider are prior reflection, style and organization.
Statement Structure
Although there is usually no pre-established content or format, it is convenient for it to have an essay layout, that is, with an introduction, a body or core, and a conclusion.
- Introduction: here you can include the thesis statement, mentioning a general opinion about education and what the ideal way of teaching would be like.
- Body: In this section you can develop several points, such as the atmosphere you want to achieve in the class, the characteristics of the class and what kind of experience you want your students to have during the class. It is also good to add how the own approach, the own qualities, methodologies, knowledge and educational strategies make the author a better teacher. Likewise, it is necessary to mention the most important or ideal goals that he wishes to achieve during his educational performance. Details of previous experiences and their effect or contribution on your current teaching philosophy can also be added.
- Conclusion: In this part, the author can summarize the main points of the text and future goals, the unique qualities he possesses as an educator, and his ability to advance his career and contribute to the improvement of education.
Other features
In addition, to write a teaching philosophy statement correctly, it is important to keep the following in mind:
- Reflection: Before writing the statement, it is necessary to reflect on the philosophical issues related to education.
- Profile: the text must represent, in the most faithful way possible, the pedagogical profile of the author and his thoughts on education.
- Style: It is common to write the statement in prose. However, a question and answer format can also be used, in addition to other elements such as quotes and graphics, among others. The language must be formal: not necessarily technical, but without vulgar words or too colloquial.
- Size: it is convenient that the text is brief and does not have more than two pages.
- Other characteristics: the text must be personal and, therefore, original and exclusive to the person who writes it; You should have information about your own experiences and achievements. It may also be interesting to include the origin of your philosophy or the influences that shaped your current beliefs.
Sample Questions for Writing the Philosophy of Teaching Statement
As triggers to be able to write the philosophy of teaching statement, the following questions can be considered:
- What do you think is the importance of education?
- What do you think is or should be the role of the teacher in the classroom?
- How can students learn best?
- What are the goals you would like students to achieve?
- What qualities should be cultivated in students?
- What qualities should a teacher have?
- What is the influence of your previous experiences on your teaching techniques?
- What methodologies or activities do you prefer to use?
Examples of Philosophy of Teaching Statements
Below are four brief examples of the development of teaching philosophy statements as examples.
Example 1
«My teaching philosophy focuses on attending to the comprehensive training of students, not only from the cognitive field, but also in the social, emotional and affective aspects for their full personal development. It is also important to promote the autonomy of students so that they obtain the necessary practical tools to function in the future.
I believe that the educational environment should promote exchange and interaction between students, mainly through the discussion of topics related to the discipline. It is also necessary to promote socialization, offering an adequate space for the expression of students.
My training and experience have always focused on the search for excellence, maintaining a proactive and flexible attitude towards new challenges and attending to diversity in the classroom. At the same time, I think it is vitally important to update on the new methodologies and the contributions of educators.
Among the most important goals, it seems fundamental to me to favor the development of an autonomous attitude in the student, through the motivation for thought and reflection, without neglecting the unique qualities of each one so that they reach their maximum potential».
Example 2
«I firmly believe that education has a fundamental role in the construction of citizenship. For this reason, teaching must recover and strengthen democratic values both in the construction of knowledge and in the critical analysis of its implications in society.
Today information is available everywhere: articles, books, television, internet; therefore, the teaching processes should focus on inquiry and investigation, the proposition of conjectures and positions, the discussion and agreement of possible answers or solutions.
The Brazilian educator and philosopher Paulo Freire stated that “heads think where their feet step”, referring to the need to think about education in the territory where it is given. It is not possible to conceive of education without context, that is, without taking into account the reality of the students and the culture of the educational community.
For the design of teaching strategies, I resort to the characteristic objects and methods of the discipline that I teach, in this case, mathematics, which I have learned and put into play in my own experience. The teaching of a science is, ultimately, the teaching of the nature of that science.
Example 3
«My teaching philosophy is based on the knowledge that all children are unique and should be able to have the same possibilities. They must enjoy an educational environment where they receive the necessary stimulation and motivation for their physical, mental, emotional and social development.
It also seems important to me that an initial level teacher acts as a guide, looking for ways to promote confidence in students. In my experience, I have seen how a motivating attitude of the teacher can contribute to the development of the child’s self-esteem and how this, in turn, can produce favorable changes in their ability to function, as well as in the speed and quality of the learning process. .
Regarding the explanations of the contents and the practice of the acquired knowledge, I like to offer students creative activities where all the topics, even the most complicated ones, are developed in a fun, easy and simple way.
Another of the characteristics that I consider important in a teacher and, in fact, something that I always do, is learning the names of all the students. In this way, a more personalized and warm connection is established.
It also seems important to me to maintain a flexible position, open to other teaching perspectives and the constant search for improvement and training.
Example 4
«My philosophy regarding teaching is based on the development and planning of the fundamental contents according to the needs of my students and the school, as well as the regional and country educational system. Also, paying special attention to all aspects of the relationship between teachers, students and the rest of society.
My personal experience, both in the family and in the academic field, with a strong emphasis on the demand and self-improvement, were the basis of my training and my motivation to progress. I also try to convey this in my role as an educator.
I am interested in fostering the development of students with critical and reflective thinking: that they understand the value of effort, dedication, the possibility of receiving an education and its importance for the future. I also believe that it is necessary to build a teaching based on respect and other ethical values that are essential for life in society.
To facilitate learning, it seems to me that it is necessary to adapt teaching strategies, in a personalized way, according to the context and situation of the students, especially in vulnerable educational environments.
Bibliography
- Caballero López, MA Teaching oppositions. Planning , study methods and mental state. (2021). Spain. Red Circle Publishing Group.
- Garcia Gutierrez, J.; García Amilburu, M. Philosophy of education: Issues of today and always. (2017). Spain. Narcea Editions.
- Dewey, J. Democracy and Education: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Education. (2004). Spain. Morata Editions.
