Philosophy of Education

Being a teacher is easy but becoming a good teacher is not so easy. Personally, I believe the purpose of education is not only about delivering contents of knowledge in certain subject, such as how to calculate using equations or how to read, but also about helping students building confidence and skills that they will benefit in their entire life. Education is more about experience rather than simple knowledge. I wish to be a teacher for several reasons. First of all, being a good teacher can make a positive influence on the future of children. It can be a challenge but also a great fulfillment to help children become life-long learners. Second, I also learn a lot from students, about the new trends in their generations, which keeps me updated. As a teacher, the first important role is to teach students knowledge. However, this is far from enough. It is also necessary to teach students the skills and techniques to learn so that they can transfer their knowledge and skills in one setting to another. In addition, helping them becoming persons with high moral standards and proper personalities are also the role of a teacher.

Students are the center in the education. My learners are primarily teenagers who show some rebellion at their ages. They have various needs during education. For example, they need to be guided for what is right and what is wrong. They need to be guided for how to think critically. My goals for my students include: 1) training them into life-long learners who are able to think critically and independently; 2) training them to collaborate with others with proper communication skills. I think I will reach the goals using myself as a role model and using teaching activities to train them, such as group discussion, independent research, etc.

My pedagogical practices will have great impact on the development of students. I typically use instructional strategies like projects, group work and discussion to foster their learning. Group projects allow students to work together, to develop their communication and collaboration skills. Discussion helps student to learn from each other and helps them to do independent research. I think technology plays an important role in modern education. The Internet and computers, for example, offer students plenty of resources to search and read. They may also help students to learn interactively. Simulation programs, for example, allow students to experience in-person. Assessment, of course, is another key component in education. I prefer essay and presentations for evaluation. Writing essays show not only students’ abilities for incorporating various pieces of information but also show their skills in independent research. Presentations will help them deliver their thoughts in public.

I have limited experience in teaching and I think I will improve my teaching through peer evaluation, student feedback and life-long learnings. Peer evaluation from other teachers will help me see my shortcomings quickly. Student feedback helps me knowing what I need to improve to guide them better and more effectively. Life-long learning, such as attending educational workshops, will guarantee that I will not fall behind in this era.