Running head: PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT

Philosophy Statement
Whitworth, Jennifer
EDUC 201
Foundations of Education
Instructor: Egbert

Philosophy Statement

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Philosophy Statement
Everyone lives by a philosophy or set principles that guide them through life. Teachers
teach with many different philosophies in classrooms throughout the country today. Each has
different goals directing what and how their students should be taught. All have the common goal
of helping their students learn.
The philosophies in our text book that best describes my teaching outlook are
encompassed in Progressivism and Essentialism. There are aspects within these philosophies
that are particularly important in the lives of today's students. For example, everyone needs
basic skills like reading and math and they also need to develop as well rounded individuals and
be taught strategies to solve problems. I believe that curriculum should include experiences from
the real-world and teachers should use relevant questions and discussions to help students learn.
Compatible with my philosophical beliefs, all schools should focus on teaching lessons
that will help develop the individual student in all aspects. This would mandate we teach the
basic essentials needed for a student to not only function but succeed in today's society. Students
need to be challenged to stretch into new territory once they master the basics. This kind of
education would permit students to find individual success and be able to problem solve on their
own when they are faced with everyday challenges. The Progressivism philosophy states that
school should develop students physically, intellectually, socially, and emotionally. An education
that builds on these standards is a key that students can use to unlock the roadblocks and open
doors of opportunity.
As teachers we need to involve students in activities that relate to them as indicated in the
Progressivism philosophy. Teachers must make those activities strengthen the fundamental

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elements that should be held by all according to the Essentialism philosophy. To be successful a
teacher should not rely solely on lectures as a way to relay the information they would like the
student to learn. The student has an obligation to participate in discussion, ask questions and
give feedback as indicated in the Progressivism philosophy.
I have observed two different learning styles in myself. I am a tactical learner and a
visual learner. I love discussions where I can share my own ideas and get feedback right way. I
also love to be able to visualize the subject matter and see it put into practice in order to better
understand how it really works. Subject material that is taught using different methods and
changed up often help to keep interest. Also a teacher should incorporate different discussions
and questions that need to be answered in the lesson plan. If possible, project should be included
that encourages critical thinking, visual aids and a lecture if needed. The project should be
structured with student input taking into account their interests. The teacher leads the student in
the project development to make sure it also fits her goals and the curriculum. This approach is
contained in Progressivism and Essentialism philosophies. Obviously the approach will be more
challenging when put in practice. Finding the right fit for each student and meet the educational
goals will take some experience and additional teacher time.
Using these two philosophies that fit with how I want to teach, will help me focus my
goals and the structure of my classroom. It will influence the projects, activities and flow of the
classroom. These philosophies are at the heart of what I want to accomplish in the classroom
with each student. I have found them useful in my personal life as well.