Ms. Williamson's Teaching Philosophy

You can define my teaching style and goals by the philosophy of “Tabula Rasa.” The term is Latin for blank slate. Many philosophers and educators have their own meaning of the blank slate theory, as do I. For me it simply means: one’s environment can dramatically affect an individual. Similar to John Locke’s belief: individuals are free to define their own character and have natural rights as an individual. By my definition you can see that the environment that is created in my classroom is essential to how the student is affected.  This is why a respectful, cultured, student-centered, and well-managed classroom is my priority. An opponent to Tabula Rasa, Jean-Jacques Rousseau is famous for his political and educational theories. Although Rousseau was not in agreement with Locke’s Tabula Rasa, he was a promoter of the student/child-centered classroom, which I actively advocate through support and utilization in my lesson plans.

         Why is this theory of the blank slate so important to me as an educator? When I am in a classroom, I cannot help but feel completely responsible for my students. The students are depending upon me to guide them, instruct them, instill within them intrinsic motivation that will follow them for the rest of their lives. As a teacher, everything I say will be written on the slates of those students. This is why it is so important to me to write something good and worth writing on their slates. I only wish one thing as an educator: to instill within the students the quality of education that will take them far beyond the high school institution. I want them to know that education equals freedom. The more education you attain the more freedom you gain.

         Why is the student-centered classroom something I advocate? Everyone is different. We are all individuals who want our differences to be positively recognized. The student-centered classroom allows for the Howard Gardener’s Multiple Intelligence's to be appreciated. This is why my classroom will be a forum, a place where discussion, debate, collaboration, and student-centered learning will take place. This will be accomplished through semi-circle seating. This will enable Socratic Questioning to take place and optimizes discussion and dialogue between students and the teacher. Also, in a student-centered classroom, higher-order thinking skills are practiced. I feel classroom arrangement and routine are essential in creating the type of environment to which my goals as Speech Education teacher can be attained.

         Why create a classroom of culture? The integration of culture and recognition of the differences we have with our fellow members of our society is vital to the development of a well-rounded individual that can succeed in any given situation. In a Speech classroom the student must be cognizant of the world around them. Why? The key to effective communication is to know with whom you are communicating. Without the integration of the study of different cultures/ethnicities you can only go as far as your own social order or standing.

         My philosophy: to create a classroom environment that will write only positives on the slates of my students; to ensure student-centered learning; and to integrate culture. "Tabula Rasa" defines my goals as a teacher, a teacher of Speech. I can trust that through the continual attainment of these goals that I will succeed as an Educator in any given situation.