Ashley Campbell

May 5, 2010

Philosophy of Education

My philosophy of education reflects the pillars and the essential elements of the

University of Illinois’ conceptual framework. The pillars include establishing community within

the realm of teaching and different learning environments and developing inquiry and reflective

thoughts in the minds of students. The essential elements include an educator’s commitment to

service and effective use of and understanding of technological advancement within the

classroom.

The University of Illinois’ conceptual framework helps to develop an effective and

meaningful classroom environment that is inclusive to learning and teaching. Students need to

feel comfortable and welcomed inside a room where they will be sending a lot of time sharing,

reflecting, working, and participating. It is the job of the teacher to make sure that all the

elements of a classroom involves safety and a sense of comfortability. One way to accomplish

this is by having grand conversations with the class daily. All learners will be able to benefit

from sharing in a classroom discussion about their thoughts, opinions, and feelings.

Another important factor within the pillar of education is focusing on equality. As

educators, we need to make sure that students are able to receive the best education that they

deserve. Students should have the opportunity to have the resources and required materials that

they need. All students, teachers, parents, and faculty members should be held accountable for

students obtaining the necessities needed to perform at their appropriate levels. These necessary

tactics can include additional services and assistance to give students and additional
enhancement toward their performance. Students should be treated respectfully by their peers

and by their teachers as well. Community and building relationships inside the classroom helps

students build a sense of community and feel as though they are important to the classroom

environment.

Providing students with the opportunity to think critically is also important. When

students develop strategies and ways to think of new things they analyze their own outlooks and

opinions about things that are going on in the world around them. Assessing students’ critical

thinking skills would be a bit more challenging. Using a rubric could be helpful in seeing how

they developed their ideas and what pieces of information became of that. The Students’ writing

and responses to questions would also be reflective on their critical thinking skills.

Incorporating technology to assist students with their own inquiry is another important

aspect. Recent technological advances have made it possible to help students learn, become

excited about learning, and take an interest in the topic more in depth than before. Technology

has become a great advancement and investment inside the schools today. Technology is used as

a tool to assist both the classroom teacher and the students. Interactive activities that are used

with computers, SMART boards, videos, microscopes and hand held clickers focuses on the

mind of the students who are technologically advanced. These devices peak students’ interest

and make them excited to learn and try new educational things.

I believe that the pillars and the essential elements of the University of Illinois’

conceptual framework can help create an effective and meaningful classroom. My philosophy of

education is that each student has the ability to succeed and learn if students are given the proper

tools that are essential for their success. Learning incorporates growing in the classroom with
students and as a teacher. A teacher must adapt to the needs of their students to create an

environment that is comfortable, predictable, but still includes room for flexibility and great

classroom management skills.