TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

I passionately believe that a teacher plays an extremely beneficial role in the holistic development of each and every learner. As a Foundation Phase Teacher, I believe that it is important to create a learning environment that is safe and secure in order for every learner to prosper to the best of their ability. James Comer stated; “No significant learning occurs without a significant relationship”. I believe that this quote is extremely valuable as a teacher for the reason being that forming positive relationships with every learner will ensure that they feel safe and secure within their learning environment. I aspire to be the type of teacher who creates these connections and positive relationships with each and every learner as this will allow them to feel comfortable, which in turn, ensures that they can be engaged in my lessons. I believe that learners will not prosper in a learning environment where they do not feel comfortable communicating with their teacher, therefore, I passionately believe that forming positive relationships with my learners is an important part of the educational process and their holistic development. I believe that no matter where the school is located and whether or not I have access to resources, learners will be able to gain knowledge through the use of a positive relationship. It is up to me as a teacher to assist and guide these learners no matter the circumstances.

 

I strongly believe that creating lessons using a learner-centered approach is extremely beneficial as this will assist in creating a positive learning environment for my learners, therefore, promoting their holistic development. Reflecting on my personal experiences in the classroom has made me come to a realisation of how important it is to create lessons that are hands-on as this will ensure that the learners are engaged in each and every lesson objective. Through teaching, I am able to demonstrate my passion for learning while promoting lifelong learning to my learners. As a teacher, I believe that I serve as a role model for my learners, therefore, demonstrating the importance of communication and self-reflection.

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Albert Einstein once said; “The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing”. I believe that this quote is extremely true and resonates well with my teaching style, as I believe it is important to empower learners to ask questions, explore and discover things around them. Through inquiry-based learning, learners are given the opportunity to become active participants in the learning process by posing questions and problems, in addition, being curious about ways to solve these problems by exploring a variety of solutions.

 

George Washington Carver said; “Education, in broadest of truest sense, will make an individual seek to help all people, regardless of race, regardless of colour, regardless of condition”. In relation to this quote, I believe that it is of significant importance to become a teacher who ensures that all her learners’ needs are taken into consideration when planning for lessons, in addition, that all learners are included within the diverse classroom. I also strongly believe that it is essential to assist my learners in understanding how important it is to respect and accept each and every individual.

 

I will use the classroom management strategy known as positive reinforcement within my classroom as I believe that positively reinforcing learners’ acceptable behaviour will ensure that learners have grasped an understanding of the expectations and values of society. Which, in turn, assists my learners in developing their own beliefs and values as an individual.