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Running head: PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION PAPER

Philosophy of Education Paper

Sara Solano

County College of Morris

Author Note

This paper was prepared for Teaching in America: Foundations and Contemporary

Issues, EDU 111, Section 26531, taught by Professor Diana Aria.

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My Philosophy of Education

My Philosophy of Education states my views and beliefs on education, developed

during my years as a student, and throughout this course in my pursuit of becoming a Middle

School Spanish Language Arts teacher. I believe that a proper education focuses on the

development of the student as a whole. A complete development includes, but it is not limited

to: learning basic knowledge and skills in core subjects, such as math, reading, writing, and

science; intellectual development through the study of cultural enriching subjects that will

enhance student understanding of who they are and how society came to be, and most

importantly, the development of a strong self-esteem. My convictions encompass three

existing educational philosophies: progressivism, perennialism, and essentialism. In this essay, I

will explain the importance of each of these philosophies and why their combination embodies

what education should be like.

Progressivism is “an educational philosophy emphasizing real-world problem solving and

individual personal development” (Kauchak & Eggen p. 159, 2017). The progressivist philosophy

of education is at the top of my list because it highlights the importance of student

development in all aspects including, “social” and “emotional”. In my opinion, social and

emotional development should be the number one priority when it comes to educating

children. When a student is struggling socially and emotionally, he or she will lack confidence,

develop low-self-esteem and ultimately won’t have the required motivation to learn. An

unmotivated student cannot achieve academic success. An effective teacher has to strive to

build student confidence by helping students find their talents, and teaching them to take

personal responsibility for their success. A motivated student works harder to achieve goals,
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which also promotes self-discipline; therefore, by motivating students, a teacher is also able to

have a better grip on classroom management. Motivated students are less likely to act out and

break rules because their focus is on learning; which translates into students who pay more

attention in class. A great example of this was portrayed by fifth grade teacher Madeline

Noonan in the video “ELA Throughout the Day”. She affirmed the importance of classroom

management and shared her view on the best way to achieve it. According to Ms. Noonan

classroom management should be “embed”, whenever possible, with academic content

because it motivates student to behave and to focus---resulting in better learning. She

demonstrated her philosophy with an activity she did with her students right before dismissal,

called “grab bag quiz”. In order to dismiss her students in an orderly fashion, she asked review

questions at the end of class, of the material that was covered that day, and whoever was able

to answer correctly got dismissed first. As simple as this activity sounds, it had great results with

her students. Dismissal not only happen as intended, but this quiz motivated students to stay

focused throughout the day (TCH, 2019). Since I will be teaching students a new language,

interactive activities such as this one, are perfect for my future class. A language has to be

practiced, repetition is key, and the only way to learn it is to be fully engaged. The idea of an

interactive classroom, is another key point to the progressivist philosophy. It discourages

teacher centered classrooms, and supports the use of teaching methods in which students are

the center, such as the “use of questioning and discussion to guide students as they search for

meaning in the world and in their lives” (Kauchak & Eggen p.159, 2017).

As a Spanish language teacher, my job will not only to teach students how to speak

Spanish but also, to introduce them to the Hispanic culture and history. Learning additional
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languages, history and culture, is intellectually enriching and it fits with the “perennialist”

educational philosophy. Perennialism suggests that “human nature ---is constant and schools

should teach content and topics that have withstood the test of time” (Kauchak & Eggen p.158,

2017). Studying society through classical literature and history helps students in many ways.

First, analyzing literature increases vocabulary, making students more eloquent and also it

“trains the mind and develops reasoning” (Kauchak & Eggen p.158, 2017). Learning about

history will help students understand our modern society, as well as raising moral awareness.

Learning about unfortunate aspects of history and old societal struggles will make them more

sensitive to injustices and prevent society from repeating history. I plan to include a lot of

historical topics in my classroom discussions, because I strongly belief that students taking

interest in a country’s history and culture, will awaken their curiosities and inspire them to

travel, expand their horizons and continue to learn the language even after leaving my

classroom.

To be able to understand literature, understand history, or any subject in depth, as well

as to function in all aspects of society there are essential skills that every person needs to have.

Essentialism as an educational philosophy supports just that. “Essentialists argue that the

purpose of schooling is to advance society by providing a curriculum that includes the skills

needed to function effectively in today’s world” (Kauchak & Eggen p.162, 2017). The considered

essential “basic skills” include: reading, writing, math, science, and computer literacy.

Essentialism is so influential in today’s education that it has become the standard of education.

Without a question, basic skills are a pivotal part of education and necessary in order to be a

productive member of society. However, in order to be successful at mastering these skills, I

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sustain that a progressive style of instruction is a better approach, for the most part. I say for

the most part, because all children are different and differences have to be taken into account

during instruction. An interactive classroom, is a fit for most, but other instructional methods

have to be considered and employed. For example, under certain circumstances a more teacher

centered, structured approach might be necessary. When entering a class that has behavioral

issues, a stern more structured approach is needed to start off. The dynamic can change

progressively, as boundaries and expectations are clear. Another reason that a different

instructional approach might be needed, is if a student doesn’t respond to an interactive

classroom setting. For some children, it might be intimidating for a variety of reasons or simply

they need to “hear” and “see” more examples before they can take the challenge.

Addressing student differences is far more complex than just reflecting about different

learning styles. Children face and endure a number of problems that will affect their student

performance. Difficulties in their home lives, socioeconomic factors, and exceptionalities can

result in “academic underachievement” and misconduct. It is important to get to know all

students and take the time to reach out to them outside of the classroom. When an issue in

particular is detected, efforts have to go the extra mile in trying to connect with the specific

student. If the problem is academic achievement, he or she “just don’t get it” and the student

has fallen behind, my strategy will be to offer alternatives and learning opportunities to make

up the work. Some options can include tutoring and extra credit work as an incentive. I believe

that if students know that a teacher truly cares and is willing to help them, the response would

be a positive one. Another very important thing a teacher should do is seek parental support.

Speaking to a parent can guide a teacher to better help a student, because a parent can provide
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a better insight to student struggles. If that’s not the case, and the problem is rooted from

home, there is a possibility that as a teacher I can guide the parent to better interact or help the

child.

Because conversation is imperative to learn a new language, my classroom’s set up will

be to cater that need. Seats will need to be grouped with room for at least four students, for

the opportunity to exchange multiple opinions and give rise to discussions when the topic calls

for it. If my students have access to individual technology, then I will utilize those for vocabulary

exercises. If that is not the case, I would provide worksheets to do the work. That would only be

a small portion of the class and one of the ways I will use to assess student learning. Another

form of technology I would use would be a smartboard to introduce vocabulary and to watch

short videos or films relevant to the topic and vocabulary students will be learning. Students

primarily will be assessed with oral presentations and during class participation.

All students can learn and benefit from education. However, education is much more

meaningful if the teacher understands that, and cares enough to make that happen. The only

way for students to reach their full potential, is if they are motivated to do so. As an educator, it

is my job to ignite that flame.

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Bibliography
Kauchak, D., Eggen, P. (2017). Introduction to Teaching: Becoming a Professional. University of
North Florida. Sixth Edition

Teaching Channel: ELA Throughout the Day. (2019). Lesson Objective: Difficult Vocabulary is
Woven Into Every Part of a Fifth-Grade Classroom./Class Culture