Jessica Andrews

As a student I can remember always getting excited when it was time for history class. History

has always fascinated me, and I have always had a passion for learning all about it. I want to

teach history because my hope is that I can instill a passion for history like I possess. As a

student I learned best through lecture and note taking. As a teacher I will teach by lecture and

note taking primarily but also in other ways to make sure that I accommodate all students in the

way that they learn best.

A philosopher that I agree with is “E.D. Hirsch Jr”. Hirsch believed, that schools should have a

common curriculum of shared knowledge. I believe that his idea of a core knowledge is essential

to students, and what they are being taught. Another philosopher that I agree with is “William

Bagley.” Bagley believed, that electives are good for students, and to have students think

critically and be able to apply their knowledge. I feel that a common curriculum is good for

students and teachers. I believe that electives are also good for students. Electives can give

students choices in what they want to learn which can make students think critically and apply

the knowledge they know in different areas.

My concept of teaching leans more toward teacher-centered classrooms. The reason for this is

because I learn best when the teacher does most of the work by giving students knowledge and

information that students need to know. However, a student-centered classroom has benefits as

well. It allows students to socialize with their peers and do work in groups. Group study can help

students learn from each other. With group studies students can choose the topic or work that

they want to do instead of always having to do the work a teacher may assign. It is my opinion

that an assigned curriculum is a great way to teach. It gives teachers a guideline to what needs to

be taught. A teacher can teach what the curriculum provides in different ways. A teacher can
Jessica Andrews

lecture the students, allow them to work in groups, and have students work on projects by

themselves.

I believe that the best way to assess student’s knowledge is to give them quizzes and tests. This

way teachers can see which students understood the material that was taught and can also show a

teacher which student may need more help. I believe that the system we have in place now for

assessing a student’s knowledge and abilities is a good system. I don’t feel that changing the

system would be beneficial.

Multicultural classrooms are a part of every teacher’s daily lives. It is important for teachers to

understand and know the different cultures of all students in their classrooms. Different cultures

mean different backgrounds and means that teachers need to be mindful of how they not only

teach their multicultural classrooms but how they interact with students.

I believe as a teacher I will educate students in a way they will enjoy and have fun learning. I

want to give all students the tools needed to succeed and learn to the best of their ability. Lecture,

note taking, group work, and solo projects are just some of the ways I hope to teach. I want to

pave the road for students and give them a desire to accomplish their goals and dreams.