As I learn more about teaching, my ideas about the role of education shifts. What may be penned down now can very well be erased and replaced in the future. So here is my current educational philosophy, centred around three main ideas:
“If learning doesn’t happen, there has been no teaching.” |
Adopting this attitude can help me reframe my perspective on how knowledge is constructed, and in turn, can change the way I approach teaching, especially with my more challenging students. Teaching is not something I “do” to students and knowledge isn’t something I can simply pass to them. As such, a lack of understanding is not because they didn’t ‘receive’ what I gave to them. If they didn't learn, then I need to reassess how I can make the material more accessible to where they are at.
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"Constructivist classrooms" are intentionally built. |
Active learning takes place when cognitive processes are engaged, such as selecting information, organizing, and integrating into long-term memory. In order for students to thrive in learning settings that are constructivist in nature, I must first teach them the skills needed to be successful 'discoverers.' Not all hands-on activities are made equal nor always necessary. As such, I must first teach students the language and processes that are needed later on for higher order objectives like analysis, creativity, and evaluation.
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Universal Design for Learning |
I need to be flexible with my instruction and use of materials so that the curriculum adapts to the learner rather than the other way around. Technology plays a key role in removing barriers to learning and making education accessible for all diverse learners. When students feel like learning is within reach, they will feel like they belong and it will help build self-efficacy and increase motivation, and thus increase performance.
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