Through successes and failures, we can learn from our historical mistakes and work for a better future. Education holds great power to build the leaders who will make this world a better place. I think with great educators we can teach the coming generations great knowledge and life lessons. Knowledge is power!
My Beliefs on Education
My teaching philosophy revolves around the idea of students' diverse needs, and I plan on adapting my teaching methods accordingly. I believe it is important to help and understand all students' learning techniques, and I hope to create an environment that makes it possible for every student to be successful. I plan to use my background in education to help my OT practice. Using knowledge of classroom environments and expectations will help me shape how I work with my students. My goal is to help create functional students in and out of the classroom. To the left is my teaching inquiry project, where I explain my research on how education and OT work hand-in-hand to better student success.
My beliefs on the core subjects
I believe teaching science is a vital role of the educator. During my teaching science course, I learned the importance of inquiry-based science in a positive classroom environment. Inquiry-based science parks students' curiosity and allows them to learn in a self-guided manner.
I believe teaching math in elementary school makes students creative thinkers who can problem-solve in various ways. Teaching math is important because it teaches more than just numbers, it teaches students to think analytically, logically, and critically which are goals for my students as an educator.
I believe teaching reading and writing is the single most important subject for teachers to teach. It is the base for all education practices. Beyond that, reading and writing help spark students' imaginations and love for learning.
I believe teaching history in elementary school plays a role in the future and promotes diverse learning. Teaching students facts and multiple perspectives of history will create a more educated society to better the leaders of the future. Although history is overlooked by many educators I recognize the importance of teaching true history in the classroom.
In a school environment, it is very important to recognize children's differences and promote a diverse learning experience. Inclusion in the classroom is a vital aspect of creating a safe learning environment for everyone. This means giving everyone fair opportunities to be successful in and out of the classroom. Especially in special education, this may mean having modifications and adaptation techniques to help a student be successful. This could include more one-on-one work, modified workload, visual or auditory aids, multiple work options, etc. This allows students to work at a pace that is appropriate to them and their educational needs. This also means creating adaptations for disabled students who may need accommodations in the classroom. This could be catering assignments and activities for them while still making them feel included and equal. As a future OT, inclusivity is of heavy importance to me because I think it can help the students grow and be more comfortable in the classroom.
The teacher is in the classroom to enlighten, teach, and influence students as a reliable role model in their lives. An educator should be confident in what they teach to students and, with that, understand the desired outcome for their students. I want my students to understand that they are supported by me, and I teach all of my students to support everyone around them. With that, I hope the children that I work with feel safe and welcome to open up to me. Furthermore, children should get a sense of the curriculum along with necessary life skills and lessons to be better people with a will to create change. I think one of the most valuable parts of education is taking your knowledge beyond the classroom. Becoming a critical thinker with values and knowledge, with reason, can lead one to make an impact on the people around them. We can use what we teach our students as a way to make an impact on the world through them.
I believe that all students learn and comprehend the curriculum in different ways. I think that as educators, it is important to find different ways to teach that suit different students' needs, to get the greatest result of comprehension. Incorporating topics that students can relate to and also have fun with can keep students engaged in lessons. For example, adding art or music to harder topics like math and history can help students better understand and become involved in the classroom. I also think learning how the students perform and learn best can create a more productive learning environment and produce the best results in and out of the classroom. I also think it is important to give students "brain breaks" because I do understand that doing school all day can make it hard to stay engaged. I think the age and group of students will help determine what will help students best.
I believe that curriculum is an important surface area of what should be covered in the classroom. Students should also be taught important issues like gender, diversity, racial issues, and history. I also think teachers should find affective ways to teach their students in a way that is engaging and allows kids to learn to their best potential. Curriculum should just be part of what students get out of coming to school. I think they should have an understanding of the curriculum, but also leave the class with life skills and a goal of having a greater impact on the world.
Children are naturally very curious. Elementary school is a vital time in a childs life to learn and be filled with knowledge. Younger children are excited to learn about new things and topics and I think it is the job of an educator to keep that spark alive. I think keeping kids curious and excited about learning will feed into their nature as a young child. They want to learn and try new things and I think we can make that happen by creating a classroom environment that keeps them engaged and excited to learn new things.