Life-long learning is a stream that leads to the sea, yet the sea is never full...
Conceptualization of Learning I believe that the purpose of education is to aspire students to become life-long learners. To aspire life-long learning requires rich, real and relevant lessons so that my students can acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes to be successful. To build successful learners, it is my duty to build the bridge between the known to the unknown and to facilitate learning through collaboration. In the classroom, I will strive for multiple learning scenarios in a safe and cohesive environment. I must always remember that this process is varied and unpredictable for each and every student and the whole person development is our true benchmark for success. Conceptualization of Teaching I would define teaching as a process by which I teach students to learn how to learn. I will teach through a variety of creative learning styles. I value spontaneity in teaching. I do not believe in memorizing the subject material. I believe in a solid knowledge of the lesson materials and I believe in providing clear instructions. I value direct eye contact when listening and when speaking to my students. I believe in facilitating learning by encouraging every learner to take chances. Listening to my students' comments and immediately interjecting the student’s comments into the lesson is an example of authentic teaching for me. I love to kayak, so for a bit of humor, I developed the acronym PADDLE, which stands for my pedagogical beliefs: Prepare well. Attention is given first, then received. Demonstrate successful learning. Deviate when necessary. Love your job. Encourage your students. Goals for Students The most important goals that I have for my students is for them to learn to think critically, to become skillful listeners and to be able to articulate their thoughts through speech, written work and in group settings. I like to compare my teaching goals as a journey down a river with each student. Before we paddle down the river together, we will be prepared with the scope of the subject matter. I will offer my students a suitable lifejacket as I believe in safe learning environment. I will lead the way with confidence and I will offer the paddle when the student is ready. When the student takes the paddle, and heads out to seek their own adventure, I will know that the student has acquired the skills to continue to have a successful journey. Implementation of the Philosophy 1) Fish to find specific feedback from everyone and for anyone. (One genuine comment is worth a dozen fluffy comments.) 2) Celebrate when everyone accomplishes the big learning rocks. (Remind the students how far they have come and where they are going.) 3) Seek to understand all positions in the stream. (Teach empathy, understanding and diversity.) 4) Proceed patiently and slowly as someone may be afraid to swim. (Even simple concepts can be difficult for many reasons.) 5) Provide a lifejacket to ensure a safe experience for all. (The classroom is always a safe learning environment.) 6) Embrace the challenge of padding against the current. (Encourage persistence, hard work and challenges!) 7) Never overload the canoe or it will tip. (Don’t overload the lessons or the students.) 8) Learn to be calm in rough waters. (It will get rough once in awhile. Model how we survive, flourish and grow.) 9) Seek out the golden moments like nuggets in the mud. (Grab those teachable moments and share them generously with your students.) 10) Sometimes you just have to throw out the plan and go with the flow. (Have a Plan B.) 11) Always find a buddy, never swim alone. (Collaborate & build relationships.) 12) Encourage creative problem-solving until it flows like a strong current all around you.
0 Comments
|