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Running head: Philosophy of Teaching

Teaching Philosophy

Ashleigh Drall

University of Lethbridge

EDUC-3505

Keith Griffioen

October 2nd, 2020

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Philosophy of Teaching
Teaching is engaging learners and helping them understand the application of knowledge,

concepts, and processes. When most people think of teaching, they think about students learning

subject matter and teachers engaging the students in these subjects. When I think of teaching, I

think that it is coincide with learning. Teachers do quite a bit of learning themselves, whether it

be from students, parents, or other teachers. A teacher is required to know how students learn by

applying a variety of instructional approaches and strategies. The teacher aims to not only

convey information but also to transform students so they can take charge of their learning,

whilst growing as a learner and individual themselves. I like the idea that school is where it all

begins; the children's journey, the building blocks for learning and gaining knowledge, the

relationships and the friendships. I love the idea of being able to foster a child’s love for school,

a certain area of teaching, or sports. I, as a teacher, believe that educators should devote their

lives to shaping the mind and aspects of children’s lives, it becomes part of their identity. I have

the desire to impact lives beyond the classroom and to become a mentor and confidant; another

source a child can go to when they need someone to talk to. I believe the role of the teacher is to

push the child, to challenge their boundaries but in a supportive fashion.

The most effective teacher quality that I valued as a learner and still value, is the

realization that each student has diverse learning strengths and needs. The way that this teacher

acknowledged that students learn in different ways and rates was quite impactful. They provided

so many different ways to learn, and options for activities. I would like to relay this into my

future teaching. In the past I have been good at changing groups frequently, allowing for

independent learning, partner learning and group learning to ensure students get to know

everyone and feel inclusive. When stating expectations in class I would like to avoid listing

rules because it can have negative connotations. Instead I would frame things in a positive way
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Philosophy of Teaching
and have goals for the students. To create a safe and nurturing classroom I would use teaching

strategies and resources that reflect all students’ cultures. I would provide different levels of

support in the classroom depending on student needs. It is always safe to assume everyone in the

class needs social and emotional support and learning instruction support, take a universal

approach. I believe that although challenging behaviours of students can affect a learning

environment, the learning environment can be structured to promote positive behaviour. I believe

that it is always a good idea to verbally commend appropriate behaviour or give a more formal

recognition of this behaviour, I would work this into my classroom. I would consistently respond

to challenging behaviour, but not in a negative way; the key is consistency. The attitudes and

dispositions of a teacher lead to the moods of the classroom for the rest of the day, teachers have

the power to make a student’s life exciting or unpleasant. It is a lot of pressure to set the

groundwork for a child’s success later in life but that is what makes the job so important and

feeds my passion for teaching.