Here is a complete guide on everything you must know about teaching philosophy and various types of teaching philosophies. Read on!
Teaching Philosophy
Teaching is one of the most important yet underrated professions. Though it is a matter of immense pride that a teacher is building the nation’s core, it can get troublesome too. Almost all teachers can teach, but only a handful of them can stand out. This is because of their diligence and their teaching philosophy.
The question here is, what is the perfect teaching philosophy? Many times during interviews, teachers are asked about the reasons which motivated them to choose this noble profession. Let us quickly find the answer to all of these.
Did you know? A teacher affects as many as 3000 students approximately during his/her career.
Also Read: Virtual party ideas | A priceless list of tips to succeed
Definition of philosophy of education
Your philosophy of teaching is a self-proclamation statement regarding your convictions about teaching. It generally spans over a page or two having detailed accounts of your thoughts on being a successful teacher, and the underlying core beliefs.
Backing up these thoughts with explicit instances where you have practiced them accomplishes the objective too. Your teaching philosophy also justifies the reason you chose this career. There can be innumerable reasons why you should be penning down your philosophy of teaching, depending on which your explanations and thinking will change.
You might want to write it to reinstate your teaching philosophy and to gauge to what extent you are practicing them. It may fill in as the prologue to your teaching portfolio. Or on the other hand, it can fill in as a methodology for proficient development along with several instances of how you perceive teaching.
This can altogether be a measure of how convincing your teaching is. A teacher-driven by purpose finds it easy and takes challenges sportively. Written reasoning or “statement of purpose” enables a teacher to remain consistent when demotivated.
Did you know? A teacher is a role model for 75% of his/her students.
Also Read: Virtual gift ideas | A comprehensive guide
What is your online teaching philosophy?
With time evolving, teaching is also continually changing. Teaching online classes though can impact teachers, but if one is determined to stay true to their philosophies, then it is a moment of great revelation. Leveraging the technology for making teaching more than a learning process can reap surprising results.
Teaching online classes has the same teaching philosophy. Though there can be situations where one needs to put in extra effort to overcome difficulties. There should be proper planning, followed by proper execution. There needs to be a backup in case of any failure.
The teacher must be ready to cope with the technical glitches while keeping the students attentive and engaging them in productive tasks. Online teaching has indeed broken down the barriers, and teachers could influence many lives at once irrespective of descent. But they should be prepared to take a class of heterogeneity.
Online teaching philosophy may include the opportunities in which one uses his/her innovative and creative ways of teaching with appealing visual content. Teachers should be approachable to clarify doubts and make sure that their students are on the same page, aligned with the general goals.
Teachers should remain updated with new mannerisms of diversified teachings since so many online tools are available, making the entire process much more simplified. Here are some pointers which might be helpful,
- Building associations with students and being approachable via personnel contact
- Intuitive learning demands cooperation and involvement
- Emphasis on time management skills with stipulated deadlines
- Offer elective techniques for evaluation to coordinate setting
- Constructive feedback and assessment evaluations to measure the effectiveness
- Make sure that enough material is within reach of students for their reference
- Creating such a teaching structure that employs peer to peer interactions too
Did you know? More than 80% of the students feel boosted and more confident because of their teachers.
Also Read: Virtual Team Games | Everything you must know
Define teaching philosophy statement
A statement of teaching philosophy is a record that highlights your teaching techniques and aptitude. They answer the basic questions like the reason behind your teaching, what and how you teach, how you measure the effectiveness of your teaching, etc. The statement has explanations with examples related to the discipline one is expertise in.
The usual mode of teaching and assigning tasks for imparting lessons to students is also mentioned exhibiting the scope of ability and outlining targets, strategies, and approaches. Supporting reports, recommendation letters, appraisals, courses offered, video lectures, customized syllabus, assignments, tests, and evaluation methods are also provided for clarity.
Your teaching philosophy must articulate your origination of educating and learning, a portrayal of how you educate, proof showcasing that you have been diligent and deliberate in your career, conveying your objectives, backing it up with relevant experiences in your portfolio. This must be aided by instructive reason and learning objectives for students, your teaching techniques, and surveying methods to undermine students’ learning.
The statement must also have basic goals like imparting reasoning, developing critical thinking abilities, collaboration, self-coordinated learning, experiential learning, etc. Be honest in your dealings and project your ideal ways of teaching which you practice.
Did you know? More than 95% of people believe that a good teacher can be impactful in changing a student’s life.
Also Read: How to motivate employees | A complete guide
What are some teaching philosophy examples?
Teaching philosophy can be tricky. But here are few teaching philosophy examples to get you started with.
Philosophy of education examples focussing talent
In my opinion, every kid is exceptionally talented. My teaching philosophy stresses this notion that I should be able to help my students in identifying their talent and guide them to excel in those fields. I believe that teachers are much more than a guide, but a companion with whom students can share their thoughts openly.
I use feedback mechanisms to improve my teaching so even I can use the best of my abilities to guide my students. Being an ardent admirer of technology, I keep myself updated with new techniques of teaching to make overall learning grasping and interesting.
Examples of teaching philosophy basing individual identity
I acknowledge that all students are splendid, skilled, and have uncommon contributions to society. I will help my students to stand up for themselves and recognize their identity and aspirations.
As a teacher, I shall be helpful to every student in building up their latent talent through fun learning techniques. I follow a hands-on learning method with real-life examples, offering much more than just theory.
Participation based teaching philosophy statement examples
Each teacher undoubtedly satisfies the basic demands of each student making a positive situation for learning with participation and cooperation. I always try my best to bring out a receptive outlook and an uplifting demeanor.
I acknowledge the fact that not every student has the same perceiving levels and has a difference of opinions. I wish to resolve this by anticipating their thought process by having a flexible mindset and course plan which is easy to retain.
Holistic development focused teaching statement example
A teacher plays an essential, unique job in the character molding of his/her students. Learning should emphasize not just on the subject expertise but also highly stress on being a responsible citizen. Every student must be allowed to express his/her real thoughts which became pivotal in the overall development.
I employ various new techniques, including new thoughts and new methods of reasoning. I prefer an experimental learning procedure to find which method suits the needs of my present learning batch benefiting them the most.
Creativity driven teaching philosophy example
As a teacher, it is my foremost duty to support and motivate my students to learn. Through hands-on exercises, one on one interaction, logical reasoning, critical thinking aptitudes, I want to make students think imaginatively so they can explore their interests.
I need them to feel that no question is senseless and I am readily available in answering their queries, clarifying their doubts. Though scoring well is significant, but I want my students to understand that learning is beyond getting perfect scores. The real understanding is portrayed in its application rather than mugging up the theory.
A teacher first themselves is taught how to teach and therefore, I keep learning so I can teach better. I am intensely mindful in my approach. I make a solid effort to make teaching a positive, fruitful experience a positive.
Sample teaching philosophy based on accepting failure
My teaching philosophy is that failure is an option and mistakes are an inevitable part of the learning process. The process of education involves recursive inquires such as observation, experimentation, exploration, analysis, etc for meaningful learning to happen.
I encourage my students to try new things despite the results. My focus is to encourage them to mistakes and not be let down by failures. They should learn from their mistakes repeatedly and be ready to make new ones. My aim is to help my students embrace failures the same way as they celebrate success.
Teacher philosophy samples on the idea of I-do-We-do-You-do
My teaching philosophy is based on the ideology of “I do, We do, You do”. This philosophy of teaching means first the teacher will demonstrate to students how to do a particular task.
In the next stage, students will be encouraged to do the task together with the teacher and in the last stage, students take to use their learnings to attempt the task interdependently. This step-by-step process equips students with all the tools and information required to carry out the task independently building their self-confidence”
Sample teaching statement focused on creativity
I believe in the teaching philosophy of encouraging my students to create art and grow their skills. I teach them to have fun during the art-making process. My main aim is to motivate my students and raise their artistic confidence.
My philosophy of teaching is focused on helping students grow while exploring their artistic sides. It is not about the creativity in the end but the changes you observe within you while creating that matters. I strongly believe that people remember how a teacher made them feel more than the teacher themselves.
Teaching statement sample believing in learning from each other
My teaching philosophy revolves around the idea that everyone in the classroom contributes. I learn as much from my students as they do from me. One way I incorporate this philosophy of teaching in my class is by seeking constant feedback from my students.
I believe that we never stop learning and my students should know that we can learn from each other. I encourage my students to challenge me and do not believe everything that I say. I want them to explore on their own and ask more questions.
Philosophy of teaching examples where everyone contributes
My philosophy of teaching believes that a classroom is a living community where everyone has to contribute from teachers to parents, in order to maintain a positive environment. The classroom is not just a place for teachers and students but everyone who is involved in the education process such as parents, principal, etc must be actively contributing.
My teaching philosophy encourages everyone to participate in making learning successful and fun. The classroom should be a space where everyone is encouraged to learn new things and teach something in return. We all have the knowledge to share with others.
Also Read: Remote team building activities | Critical items that you must know!
What are some teaching philosophy quotes?
Here is a compilation of the best teaching philosophy quotes which you can use.
Ignacio Estrada’s philosophy of education
If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn.
Every child is different and with that in mind, we need to adopt different teaching methods for different students. This quote is a reminder of the teaching philosophy that focuses on adapting to each child’s needs. Instead of blaming the child let us change our ways.
Cesar Chavez’s philosophy of teaching
The end of all education should surely be service to others.
Cesar Chavez practiced the teaching philosophy that believes that the ultimate aim of education is to make the person ready so that he can serve others. Education should be imparted in such a manner that the student is capable of serving in society.
Nelson Mandela’s teaching philosophy statement
Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world
Nelson Mandela’s teaching philosophy strongly believed in the power of education and its impact on the world. His teaching philosophy quote mentions the huge impact education can have on the entire world and bring a massive change. Education is the tool to revolutionize the system.
Maya Angelou’s educational philosophy
I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
Maya Angelou’s teaching philosophy quote focuses on the kind of impact people can have in each other’s lives. Her teaching philosophy encourages people to treat each other well. She emphasizes the power of the positive and long-lasting impression teachers can have on their student’s lives.
W.B Yeat’s education philosophy
Education is not the filling of a pot but the lighting of a fire
W.B Yeat’s teaching philosophy quote suggests that the great purpose of education is to enable people to think for themselves, promote wellbeing, empowerment, encouraging respect, contribute to the national economy, etc. His teaching philosophy focuses on equipping citizens with education to grow by themselves.
Albert Einstein’s teaching philosophies
I never teach my pupils; I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn
Albert Einstein believed in the teaching philosophy that was against spoon-feeding education to pupils. He wanted his students to explore and learn new things whereas his main aim would be to create a feasible environment for the same. His teaching philosophy quote suggests providing students purpose of learning.
Robert Heinlein’s educational philosophy statement
When one teaches, two learn
This inspirational teaching philosophy quote by Robert Heinlein means that when a person teaches something, it’s not just the student who learns but also the teacher. His teaching philosophy is based on the notion that teaching and learning go hand in hand and when cannot exist without the other.
Terry Heick’s philosophies of education
The best teachers are the ones that change their minds
According to Terry Heick’s teaching philosophy quote, the best teachers are those who are flexible to change. As the times are changing, so does the teaching methods should change. His teaching philosophy expects teachers to adapt themselves according to the changing times in the recent world.
William Arthur Ward’s teacher’s philosophies of education
The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires
William Arthur’s teaching philosophy quote indicates that education is not merely imparting bookish knowledge but constantly motivate the students to do better. His teaching philosophy is to help students discover themselves freely without binding them into the confinements of the curriculum.
The teaching philosophy of education
Teaching is the profession that teaches all the other professions
This teaching philosophy quote is anonymously quoted which means teaching is the only profession that teaches people of all other professions. This teaching philosophy appreciates the role of a teacher in other people’s life. A teacher works to open other people’s minds.
Also Read: Welcome to the team | A how-to guide for everyone
Is there any teaching philosophy template?
There are many templates available for teaching philosophy. But one must keep in mind that he/she must be personalizing it, stating the preferable course of action. Here is a general teaching philosophy template.
- State your desires and objectives as a teacher
- State the objective you have for your students
- Describe and give examples
- What techniques do you consider to arrive at these objectives and targets?
- How will you survey students’ understanding?
- By what means will you improve your teaching?
- Why is teaching essential to you?
- How would you work together with others?
- What convictions, hypotheses, or potential strategies mark your fruitful teaching?
- How would you keep up positive associations with your students and associates?
Avoid general expressions. Back up with a lot of personal anecdotes and experiences where you portray your adaptability. Have a flexible mindset who is free to experiment. Make a list of the characteristics that a successful teacher must possess according to you.
Explain how you can aid in teaching, and what you may do any other way and why to make it impactful. Build a mockup course plan in whichever subject you expertise in and make objectives to accomplish it, helping the students to learn.
Start with the solid subtleties of what distinguishes you as a teacher. How might somebody watching you portray your teaching style? What explicit aptitudes and information will students gain? It should evidently answer what your teaching philosophy is.
Also Read: People Analytics | An ultimate read for best results
How to write a teaching philosophy
Here is a bunch of steps to follow to write a teaching philosophy,
Step 1: Consider your audience while writing a teacher philosophy
Think of your audience and keep their needs in mind before you start writing down your teaching philosophy. The audience should get the maximum benefit out of your teaching. Based on the audience, the teaching style can be decided.
Step 2: Brainstorm the statement of teaching
Do not be in haste to write a teaching philosophy. Try to put your brain to use and explore different ideas to pick the best. Ensure that the teaching philosophy is brief(1-2 pages in length) and well-written.
Step 3: Use a first-person approach for eg My philosophy of education
Make the teaching philosophy a narrative by using the first-person approach. This helps in making the teaching philosophy both personal and reflective. Make it more specific with 1-2 real-time examples.
Step 4: Avoid using jargons in personal teaching philosophy
Using technical terms and jargon may be off-putting for some users. Try not to repeat what is already mentioned in your CV. Teaching philosophy statements are written to complement other materials used for hiring.
Step 5: Teacher’s philosophy should be sincere and unique
Ensure that the teacher’s philosophy is a representation of your own ideas and thoughts. Avoid cliches especially about how much you love children and your passion for teaching. Try to bring your originality to the statement.
Also Read: Employee Retention | A priceless list of tips to succeed
5 types of teaching philosophies
The teaching philosophies can be divided into three broad categories, student-centered teaching philosophy, teacher-centered teaching philosophy, society-centered teaching philosophy. All the teaching philosophies discussed below are a combination of two or more schools of thought.
These teaching philosophies focus on what should be included in the student’s course curriculum. We will discuss the five types of teaching philosophies that are currently used in the classroom all over the world,
Perennialism: Teachers philosophy of education
In the Perennialism teaching philosophy, the focus is on keeping the knowledge that has been passed through ages in the course curriculum. The primary goal of perennial teachers is to help students to think rationally and critically.
It is different from other types of teaching philosophies as a perennial teacher tries to guide the thought process of its students towards appreciation of great works of literature and scientific discoveries.
Positivism: Personal philosophy of education
The Positivism teaching philosophy, states that religion and the supernatural should not be part of the human thinking process. As per them, the idea of uncertainty and unknown is unreasonable.
It is different from other types of teaching philosophies as the focus is solely on teaching pure science such as engineering, computer science, biology, theoretical physics, etc. They believe that political ideas and religious beliefs should be replaced by science.
Behaviorism: Philosophy on teaching
The Behaviorism teaching philosophy believes in providing positive reinforcement or rewards whenever a student behaves in a desired manner. This would help them to learn to perform the behavior on their own.
It is different from other types of teaching philosophies as the teacher is allowed to maintain the classroom based on student behavior. Behaviorism is seen as a way to maintain discipline in a classroom through rewards and punishments.
Essentialism: Philosophy in education
The Essentialism teaching philosophy aims at teaching basic skills to the students. Essentialists believe that there is a universal pool of knowledge that should be transmitted to students in a systematic and disciplined manner.
It is different from other types of teaching philosophies as it advocates training the children through a bunch of difficult topics and assessing them for the same to promote them to the next level or grade.
Progressivism: Philosophies of teaching
Progressivism is a student-centered teaching philosophy where the students follow the scientific method of questioning. It focuses on the student rather than the curriculum or the teacher. They encourage students to test ideas through active experimentation.
It is different from other types of teaching philosophies as they do not believe in dictating and controlling the teaching process. The course curriculum content is derived from the students’ areas of interest and queries.
Also Read: Employee Relations | A comprehensive guide
Why do you want to be a teacher?
Here are the four reasons you can state when asked why do you want to be a teacher?
- To make a real difference in the lives of children by giving them life lessons along with teaching course curriculum. Being a teacher one has the ability to create a long-lasting impression on the students and mold them to be better people.
- Being a teacher would allow me to share my love for learning with others. My teaching philosophy is to impart education through fun activities.
- I admire children and love to be around them. I strive to be a person that builds children up by patiently clearing their doubts and quenching their thirst for knowledge.
- Growing up my Maths teacher had a great impact on me and I hope to create a classroom that encourages children to ask questions without any hesitation.
Also Read: How to engage employees | Everything you must know
Concluding thoughts on teaching philosophy
Individual and professional development originates from a receptive outlook and self-reflection. There is a particular belief behind the teaching of each teacher. Some are just astounding and a bundle of motivation.
They are instrumental in enriching several lives with values, information, and ethics. Making insurmountable efforts and with utmost devotion, teachers are known to be successful if they make others successful in helping them to attain their goals.
A teacher needs to adapt to various learning styles to keep a receptive outlook to new teaching methods for participation. Teaching is dynamic and evolves generation after generation. These teaching philosophies become the reason that despite tribulations, they continue to contribute to society.
Numerous teachers feel underestimated and exhausted. Regardless of experience, each new class and each set of students pose a challenge. In times like these, teaching philosophy can be enlightening and motivating.
Leave a Reply