Teaching Philosophy

The process of learning is interactive and in most cases social. I like to promote a learning environment of collaboration and peer support. The opportunity for students to share ideas, analyze problems, pose questions, distribute responsibilities and complete a project or task, promotes peer learning with a social approach. This process not only guides the students to find the answers they need but along the way, social and 21st century skills are gained.

The teacher guides thinking and participation through the lesson while providing the appropriate support when needed. For this, it is essential to rely on a gradual release of responsibilities that are initially explained and demonstrated by the teacher. In a clear model of release of responsibilities, I employ the 5 steps of effective learning for lesson design. Following the lessons objective the five steps of effective learning are broken down into the following: 1. Identify the need - where the need for learning is addressed supported through data. 2. Obtain the new learning - content shared with the students to support the learning objective. 3. Development of new learning - where the teacher models to the students through clear demonstration. 4. Application - where the students get the opportunity to practice the newly learned concepts. Teacher support and feedback is used to monitor and make adjustments when needed. Students work either independently or in collaboration. 5. Evaluation - step back and assess impact on student learning.

A hands-on approach to learning is supported by John Dewey's theory that the children learn best by being active participants. In an inquiry and active process of learning, students are encouraged to ask questions, identify problems and plan out solutions which they get to carry out. To this hands-on approach, a personalized learning system that is data driven allows each student an opportunity to map their own learning road and work effectively through it at their individual pace. A blended learning classroom is key to the implementation of diverse and active learning which provides the students opportunities to work independently, in collaboration, with their teachers and in an online and self-adaptive environment.

Guided learning is key to a successful learning experience. The teacher guides lessons with a controlled group of students who benefit from the small group instruction approach. The literacy rich process does not only extend to reading lessons but to all content areas where questions are the basis of the lesson and student thinking is evident through solving problems with their peers or explaining the steps taken to solve a problem to their peers.

The learning environment requires a well defined and positive classroom culture. The process of culture development is extremely important in my classroom and the expectations and norms that govern our learning environment are determined in collaboration with the students early on the school year. Every child has a voice and each individual is respected and accounted for, which requires for the students to treat each other with respect, support, care in a way to make the learning environment a positive and safe environment for all. The classroom expectations are developed with the students through reflection and conversations on the first day of class. An effective behavior system clearly identifies the rewards for positive work and the consequences for poor choices. Parents are highly involved in the process and celebrations are encouraged often.

Learning is made fun. Therefore, a variety of student interest resources and activities are employed throughout the day to make the process adequate and encouraging. Students should be able to listen to music while learning if that helps them focus and be effective in the process. Game-like and hands-on exploration drive the excitement of the daily activities with a perfect balance to keep students wanting more. Students are encouraged and allowed to explore topics of interest and encouraged to use their findings to develop a website dedicated to this particular topic of interest. The resource is used as part of the incentive for students and time to work on this project is earned in class.

In summary, my classroom focuses on the needs of the learner and avoids busy work and distractions. We rely heavily on collaboratively and social learning with room for independent work when desired. Technology is a great part of my learning environment and a culture of respect and collaboration is fomented. Whether the teacher is driving guided instruction or the students are collaborating in a small group or working by themselves, my classroom is an active learning place where questions drive the momentum and students are encouraged to be creative and discover.