Every teacher teaches their students differently just as every student learns differently. I believe that this arifact provides evidence that I can and will teach each child as per their own individual needs. I believe that every student deserves to be in a classroom that is safe, makes kids want to learn and be fun. Each student has potential that needs to be fostered and nutured so that they can achieve all they can. My pedagogy is displayed in this artifact which is my philosophy on education.
Purpose of Education
The purpose of education is to equip each student with not just knowledge of the basic reading, writing and math but to nurture and encourage them to love these subjects. They need to know more than just how to read they need to know that with these basic tools they can accomplish anything. That education is their ticket to a better life of their choosing. For each child no matter what their SES is they will choose what they will become. That college is attainable. Each student should leave the classroom with a high self esteem, they are not to feel like a failure or that they are in the dumb group. They need to feel good about themselves and feel proud of their grades they have earned. Students need to be able to make good judgment calls while in and out of school. That every action has a consequence, and every choice is important. Idealism and progressivism are both philosophies that important in teaching our youth.
Curriculum
Age appropriate curriculum that encourages the student that they can go farther than expected. The lessons should be fun and help get the student involved, they must keep their attention. Reading will be a high priority, reading one on one with volunteers will be a must. An assessment of each child’s interests will help find them the subject matter that will interest them in reading. If a child reads something that is intriguing to them they may read more. I hope that I do not have to place children in reading groups that based on their reading level, but instead have each group be a variety of levels. So that each child thinks they are in the smart group thus will begin to think like they are. Math will be practiced with flashcards daily, and rewards given to those who get it done at home. They need to understand these math concepts now before they move on. And importantly help make each child feel they are good in math so they do leave the class hating math and using that as a excuse to do poorly in the future. Besides science, language arts the usual class curriculum, geography will play a big part in the school schedule. Allowing the students to not just know where a particular area is but what their culture is like, how are they different from us and how do they live. Teaching them acceptance and tolerance of different cultures while planting a seed of curiosity to get to know there fellow man better. Character education will also be used to teach the child to make good choices and most importantly to help them feel good about those choices they make. Self-esteem is very important and each child will be encouraged and praised for their work. I want each child in my class to think they are the smartest student and I will be praising them frequently and letting my class know they are the smartest students. I will make a learning environment that is happy, free of bullying, and full of high self esteem.
Instructional Strategies
Lecture will be used but to only those subjects that it is a necessity. Practicing over and over again the skills taught in class. Maybe have kids help each other out, they have to describe what they have learned. Critical thinking skills are a must at any age and need to be taught. Friendly team competition for each table will encourage teamwork while getting their lesson learned. Kids will also be given problems that are normally to hard for their age group but when working as a group may be able to solve them. Helping them to develop tools that will help them adjust to real life problems.
I will use many of the Kagan strategies to help my students get the knowledge they need. Having the kids work one on one to study for upcoming tests will hopefully build their study skills. Round robin type of groups can help with this also. Though it would need to make sure the kids self esteem if they struggle was not damaged. The computer will be also used to allow kids to test themselves to see of they are ready to move on or need more reinforcement.
Assessment
Each child will be assessed based on their own needs. Each child is special and if I can see how they learn differently then I will be able to help them to learn the basic core requirements. Reading assessments are important to see where the child is level wise and to have another to find out what their interests are so they can read books that spark their curiosity. Pop quiz’s weekly can help me see if the child is on task or needs special help after school.
As I become better equipped to be a teacher and get more hands on experience I hope that all my expectations can become reality. I may have lofty goals but I want to work on the areas that I feel were lacking for my kids.
