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Shawna Sapaugh
Dr. Ellis
Education-1301.200
25 September 2016
Philosophy of Education
I believe that students have the ability to do anything. In order for them to
achieve any goal, big or small, they have to think. Because all students are
unique, different styles of thinking could be used in a classroom. I believe in
going beyond the textbooks, worksheets, essays, and other assessments in
classrooms and helping a student find their sense of self. It is important to
know ones self before going out into the real world.
The classroom atmosphere should be one where a student can look
around and see flags, posters, art, and other miscellaneous items that
encourage them to think for themselves and to truly be an individual. Along
with the atmosphere, I believe the uniqueness of each student should be
shared with the class, opening other options to how they can think. This can
also illustrate to the students the many other personalities in the classroom.
Projects should be used frequently in curriculum and should be self-paced
and self-directed. A student should be able to get a project and go their way

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about finding a solution. This will increase the students individuality and can
open up many other possibilities in helping others find solutions.
Students in the classroom should have the freedom to express how
they feel. I like to use musicians as an example for this. Musicians frequently
have to express how they feel about a piece being played on an instrument
or being sung. Similar to musicians, students should be able to have this
freedom to express their feelings on a variety of topics. These topics dont
only have to be core subjects, but could also be current events, music, art,
politics, and a numerous amount of other topics. This freedom of expression
helps the student think for themselves and state their opinion frequently,
which helps them discover who they truly are.
I believe teaching the student as a whole can help them go a long way
in life. It teaches independence, discipline, and most importantly, leads to
self-discovery. I will practice this method of teaching when I become a
teacher and encourage my students to always strive for the highest and to
reach their potential with their own style.