Philosophy literally means the ‘love of wisdom”. The philosopher seeks to ask the deep and meaningful questions about life, humanity, morality, and reality. Their goal is to not only answer these questions themselves, but also to encourage others to seek these answers as well. Education, similarly, has the goal of stimulating others in the pursuit of knowledge. Every person, whether they have thought about it or not, has a philosophical perspective formed from the ideas and beliefs through which they view the world. A teacher’s philosophy will influence the way that they teach in every area: how they manage and organize their classroom, how they teach and present information, and how they view and care for their students. (Johnson, 306)
Christian Philosophy of Education
My Christian Philosophy of Education is based on Proverbs 1:7, which states, “Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Only fools despise wisdom and discipline.”(NLT) All knowledge comes from God; the universe and all that is in it is created by God, for His purposes. Furthermore, wisdom, and the pursuit thereof, is highly esteemed by God. It is through these truths that I have filtered my beliefs concerning each branch of Philosophy.
Metaphysical Philosophy
I believe absolute truth exists and is defined by God. The universe is rationally designed by God – it is not meaningless, rather there is a purpose to the universe and to individuals as well. Humans are spiritual beings, made in the image of God, who live in physical bodies. The development of both the spiritual and the physical is important, however the spiritual is eternal. Mankind has free will and every person is free to make their own choices. Events and conditions don’t necessarily force people into decisions; on the contrary, people can make choices in order to change their circumstances.
Metaphysics: In the Classroom
Because children are spiritual beings in physical bodies, I will temper sequences of engaging their minds with times of relaxation, play, and exercise. I realize that they will only be able to sit still for so long, and that children are in the process of developing motor skills. My classroom will be arranged in a way so as not to distract students while they need to pay attention, and my lessons will incorporate different ways of learning. Because I believe in an individual’s ability to make choices, I will always try to see my student’s potential, rather than putting limits on them based on demographics or current ability; and I will always try to encourage my students to believe that life and learning can be whatever they make of it.
Epistemological Philosophy
I believe that students learn the most from things that have some significance to them. People have many styles of learning, and everyone uses a different combination of logic, reasoning, repetition, their senses, scientific processes, and intuition.
Epistemology: In the Classroom
As a teacher, I will be sure to give my students the opportunity to develop a combination of most, if not all, of these learning styles. I feel a teacher should incorporate a variety of teaching methods, as well as a variety of ways for students to demonstrate their understanding of subject matter. (i.e. spelling test & also a spelling bee). I also believe in finding new and innovative ways of presenting material so that it is relevant to the students, allowing it to become part of their permanent knowledge base, and not just their temporary memory.
Axiological Philosophy
My ethics or morals are based on a Scriptural understanding of what is right and wrong. I believe that the viewpoint of the world is not always right in the sight of God; and I firmly believe that Jesus Christ set forth a way of living that has our best interest at heart. Aesthetics can vary from person to person because different types of Art are appealing to different people. Nevertheless, I do feel that certain kinds of media are inherently distasteful, such as those that would demean or disrespect any race, sex, or other faction of society.
Axiology: In the Classroom
I’ve learned that art projects don’t need to be “perfect”. If I let the students do most of the art projects, it may not look as “good” as if I did it myself, but it will be my student’s art, and that is beautiful. I believe that each person is a precious and beautiful creation of God, and therefore Kindness and Love, as well as Respect for all people, will be strong themes in my classroom.
Goals of Teachers and Students
I consider the main goal of a teacher to be to successfully impart an understanding of the basic core curriculum for the subject that they are teaching. In addition, I believe a teacher should seek to cultivate an aspiration for knowledge within their students. Teachers should seek to provide an environment that is “safe” for learning and also for healthy relationships to form among students. The goals of the students should not only be to complete assignments and do well in the class, but more importantly, to successfully grasp the material being taught. Other goals of the students include social development and building relationships with their classmates.
Role of the teacher
It is important that a teacher understand what their role will be, and that they establish their role, as well as that of the students, from day one. I believe that the teacher must be an authority over the class, but not in a pitiless or domineering way. Ideally, a teacher should be seen as a mentor or guide that will escort the student through the learning process. The teacher should be seen as fair, consistent, and knowledgeable, but not infallible. The student’s role is that of a subordinate, but also that of precious vessel, in which will be imparted wisdom and values that will eventually shape future generations. Considering this, I believe the teacher’s role is one of privilege and their task should be handled with the diligence it so rightly deserves.
References
Johnson, J. A., Dupuis, V. L., Musial, D., Hall, G. E., & Gollnick, D. M. (2005). Introduction to the foundations of American education (13th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon.
Upon my honor, I certify that this paper is solely my work.
Theresa Ann Wheeler
Christian Philosophy of Education
My Christian Philosophy of Education is based on Proverbs 1:7, which states, “Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Only fools despise wisdom and discipline.”(NLT) All knowledge comes from God; the universe and all that is in it is created by God, for His purposes. Furthermore, wisdom, and the pursuit thereof, is highly esteemed by God. It is through these truths that I have filtered my beliefs concerning each branch of Philosophy.
Metaphysical Philosophy
I believe absolute truth exists and is defined by God. The universe is rationally designed by God – it is not meaningless, rather there is a purpose to the universe and to individuals as well. Humans are spiritual beings, made in the image of God, who live in physical bodies. The development of both the spiritual and the physical is important, however the spiritual is eternal. Mankind has free will and every person is free to make their own choices. Events and conditions don’t necessarily force people into decisions; on the contrary, people can make choices in order to change their circumstances.
Metaphysics: In the Classroom
Because children are spiritual beings in physical bodies, I will temper sequences of engaging their minds with times of relaxation, play, and exercise. I realize that they will only be able to sit still for so long, and that children are in the process of developing motor skills. My classroom will be arranged in a way so as not to distract students while they need to pay attention, and my lessons will incorporate different ways of learning. Because I believe in an individual’s ability to make choices, I will always try to see my student’s potential, rather than putting limits on them based on demographics or current ability; and I will always try to encourage my students to believe that life and learning can be whatever they make of it.
Epistemological Philosophy
I believe that students learn the most from things that have some significance to them. People have many styles of learning, and everyone uses a different combination of logic, reasoning, repetition, their senses, scientific processes, and intuition.
Epistemology: In the Classroom
As a teacher, I will be sure to give my students the opportunity to develop a combination of most, if not all, of these learning styles. I feel a teacher should incorporate a variety of teaching methods, as well as a variety of ways for students to demonstrate their understanding of subject matter. (i.e. spelling test & also a spelling bee). I also believe in finding new and innovative ways of presenting material so that it is relevant to the students, allowing it to become part of their permanent knowledge base, and not just their temporary memory.
Axiological Philosophy
My ethics or morals are based on a Scriptural understanding of what is right and wrong. I believe that the viewpoint of the world is not always right in the sight of God; and I firmly believe that Jesus Christ set forth a way of living that has our best interest at heart. Aesthetics can vary from person to person because different types of Art are appealing to different people. Nevertheless, I do feel that certain kinds of media are inherently distasteful, such as those that would demean or disrespect any race, sex, or other faction of society.
Axiology: In the Classroom
I’ve learned that art projects don’t need to be “perfect”. If I let the students do most of the art projects, it may not look as “good” as if I did it myself, but it will be my student’s art, and that is beautiful. I believe that each person is a precious and beautiful creation of God, and therefore Kindness and Love, as well as Respect for all people, will be strong themes in my classroom.
Goals of Teachers and Students
I consider the main goal of a teacher to be to successfully impart an understanding of the basic core curriculum for the subject that they are teaching. In addition, I believe a teacher should seek to cultivate an aspiration for knowledge within their students. Teachers should seek to provide an environment that is “safe” for learning and also for healthy relationships to form among students. The goals of the students should not only be to complete assignments and do well in the class, but more importantly, to successfully grasp the material being taught. Other goals of the students include social development and building relationships with their classmates.
Role of the teacher
It is important that a teacher understand what their role will be, and that they establish their role, as well as that of the students, from day one. I believe that the teacher must be an authority over the class, but not in a pitiless or domineering way. Ideally, a teacher should be seen as a mentor or guide that will escort the student through the learning process. The teacher should be seen as fair, consistent, and knowledgeable, but not infallible. The student’s role is that of a subordinate, but also that of precious vessel, in which will be imparted wisdom and values that will eventually shape future generations. Considering this, I believe the teacher’s role is one of privilege and their task should be handled with the diligence it so rightly deserves.
References
Johnson, J. A., Dupuis, V. L., Musial, D., Hall, G. E., & Gollnick, D. M. (2005). Introduction to the foundations of American education (13th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon.
Upon my honor, I certify that this paper is solely my work.
Theresa Ann Wheeler