Maureen F.

Elford
Philosophy of Education
Every child deserves the opportunity to learn as much as they possibly can. It is my
responsibility to guide and mold every student that enters my classroom. I must always
remember every student has a different background and has different needs. Therefore it is
important that my teaching style, and my lesson plans are ever adapting. I am of the opinion
every child is able to learn, and that their learning is dependent on an active and flexible teacher.
ike !aulo Freire, I believe that success for both the students and the teacher is dependent
on communication. In order to and learn about my students I must strive to know each of my
students on a personal level. I must "uestion what each student re"uires in order to learn, and
then consider how those re"uirements can be met. #esides knowing how the students learn, it is
e"ually important to know what the students are interested in. In order to influence them and
grab their attention, I must incorporate materials that will resonate with the students. The more
invested they are, the more they will learn.
This involvement will allow for individual thought along with group discussions in the
classroom. I believe the students should always be encouraged to "uestion and explore the
material at hand, with guidance from me. I am of the opinion a democratic classroom is the best
classroom. This set up will allow the students to prepare for experiences they will have in the
future. They will have communication skills. They will know what they value and what others
value, which is e"ually important. Together the students will be able to "uestion the society at
large, and know that they matter and have a say in that society.
Furthermore education should take place in a safe but also a challenging environment. In
order for the students to focus and remain attentive, they need to be in a place where they know
they will be respected and cared for. The classroom should also be one that is welcoming where
the students know that they are wanted. $tudents should be constantly encouraged to shape their
own classroom. I will be responsible for providing a classroom where students respect and
support each other. It must also be above all a place of learning. This environment is dependent
on a strong but fair teacher.