"The teacher is of course an artist, but being an artist does not mean that he or she can make the profile, can shape the students. What the educator does in teaching is to make it possible for the students to become themselves."
-Paulo Freire
My philosophy of education prioritizes hands-on observation and experience in which the students are able to effectively learn under directed, guided, and independent work. It thrives in a classroom that invokes group learning in order for students to enlighten others with their thought processes. The purpose of teaching inquiry science is to encourage students to find their own answers, then provide the content knowledge they need to understand what they discover in the appropriate terminologies. In order to practice my beliefs, my practices will include experiments, the preparation, student-centered, and 6E Learning. In addition, I will have students explain what they learned in their own words first. When focusing specifically on science, I would provide scientifically accurate vocabulary and content knowledge to contextualize what they discover in their inquiry. Education should accommodate and include everyday materials in order for students to share with their neighborhood and for students to realize that education is everywhere.
When referring to how education should be assessed, my philosophy of education embraces learning rather than gearing towards only standardized tests. I believe standards tests breed inequities in the system. In my practice, I will work to overcome them by having students explore and collaborate with one another. In the classroom, students will embrace the constant question, “Why?” They will use their learned skills and pedagogical knowledge to answer their own questions and phenomenon.
My philosophy encourages my students to open their perspectives and to recognize their own blindspots. It is important for myself as well to see my own privileges and blindspots in order to express love towards my students. Education is more than just meeting a status quo and competing against one another to meet standards. It is about educating future generations so that they will be better than us. It is about being aware of the news that surrounds us. Education is the one tool that no one can take. I will create a safe space where a child will understand to love themselves and understand their worth.