PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION

“Inclusion is a right, not a privilege for a select few.”

Judge Geary, Oberti v. Board of Education

Education is available for all, but whether students are able to learn from this experience

is skeptical. Educators can use several different methodologies to make learning more inclusive

in all classrooms. Inclusivity in schools is created by methodologies in teaching, learning,

assessment, communication and environment.

Teaching in our Environment

Teaching should be rewarding. Modern teachers wear multiple hats; they lead the way in

students’ relationships, conflict resolution, healthy habits and more. The reward of great teaching

can be seen when students thrive in all aspects of their lives. The way students learn should be

guiding the way we teach. The environment determines how learning happens and the mindset of

students. Our classroom environments should be inclusive to all families, safe for every student

and a place where learning happens.

Learning and Assessing the Student

Every student is able to learn, but valuable teachers make learning lifelong. The activities

are engaging and applicable to their students. Learning is about reaching goals and creating new

ones to conquer. Once a student understands a concept, the learning shouldn’t stop there. For

example, if a student understands the weather cycle, we should continue to build onto that

knowledge by learning other cycles or how the weather cycle effects different cultures.

It should continue to be applied time and time again. More importantly, learning should

be student centered. Just like learning, assessments should be purposeful. Teachers can use
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everyday classroom behaviors to assess students rather than paper and pencil exams.

Assessments should be used as data to create lessons and determine pre-requisites of students.

These assessments that students take will determine the teaching and learning process, which is

why assessing students also needs to be consistent.

Communication

Communication is what builds relationships, but comprehension is what motivates them.

Educators can communicate, but if the recipient does not understand, it won’t reach them the

way we want it to. For this reason, when we communicate, we need to be clear, concise and

considerate of the recipient. In addition, the way we present ourselves can be the best way to

communicate. Actions speak louder than words; therefore, our conversations need to be

meaningful and professional.

To reflect on Judge Geary’s statement, although it is a right for all students to be included

in schools. Students can be excluded by single method teaching and learning, as well as poor

communication and chaotic environments. By having professionalism and organization in the

classroom we are able to change this.

Ultimately, these five aspects of education all work together to determine the success of

our students and teachers. That is why organization is an important aspect of teaching. If teachers

are organized across all subjects and aspects of education, everything will intertwine seamlessly.

Inclusivity in schools is created by methodologies in teaching, learning, assessment,

communication and environment.