To begin with, I am a strong
believer in making sure students have a firm grasp on the core subjects
of science, mathematics, language, and social sciences, much like the essentialists.
Students should strive to become as knowledgeable as possible in these subjects
as they will continue to be incorporated into the world around them.
Standardized testing has been frowned upon lately; critics argue that such
tests do not accurately measure a student’s abilities in these core areas.
However, I believe that standardized testing is a fairly simple way to see
which areas a class as a whole needs more experience with, but this should
not be the measurement of a student’s achievement capabilities. As
a first year mathematics teacher, I will converse with the other math faculty
members to see what the students have been exposed to thus far and where
they need to be by the end of my course. During the first week of school,
I will give my students a test to see where the class, as a whole, lies within
the required curriculum. I will then begin my lessons where I feel
the students need to start.
I think that multiple types of learning can be incorporated into every classroom. If a teacher presents the same lesson in multiple ways, he or she is more likely to get through to most of his/her students. At the beginning of every class period, I will use the first ten minutes to allow students to write down what they learned the day before, either through writings, pictures, or concept maps. This helps students by having them recall a lesson and put it into their own words, thereby creating a deeper understanding. To begin each new chapter or idea, I will start class by asking students a question related to the material we will be covering and have the class brainstorm various ways to solve the problem. This question will incorporate props so the students can take a hands-on approach, and will involve a situation that the students may encounter in real life. Then I may choose to present a lesson with a lecture, but reinforce it with a game or by allowing students to try the same problem set by coming up with their own approach, thereby encouraging creativity.
Like those that agree with the social reconstruction philosophy, I believe that an appreciation of diversity is a must in every classroom. Today’s society comes from a variety of backgrounds, and every teacher should embrace these different views and cultural practices. We not only need factual knowledge to be successful in the work place, we also need interpersonal skills so that we can work efficiently with other people. By learning about other cultures, we can nourish students’ respect for one another.
To celebrate diversity in my classroom, my students will research and study the contributions of minorities and women in the field of mathematics. This will be a semester long project in which students work in small groups and pick someone to do a biography on (I will have a list they can choose from or they can choose their own after seeking my approval). At the end of the semester, each group will create a presentation to give to the class. Students will not only be learning to appreciate other cultures, but will also be learning to cooperate in groups and use their creativity when planning a presentation.
I am sure that as a first year teacher I will encounter many challenges when trying to implement my philosophy of education, but I truly believe it will be worth the effort. Students will be active participants in my classroom and I will still be able to teach them the fundamentals of mathematics.
I think that multiple types of learning can be incorporated into every classroom. If a teacher presents the same lesson in multiple ways, he or she is more likely to get through to most of his/her students. At the beginning of every class period, I will use the first ten minutes to allow students to write down what they learned the day before, either through writings, pictures, or concept maps. This helps students by having them recall a lesson and put it into their own words, thereby creating a deeper understanding. To begin each new chapter or idea, I will start class by asking students a question related to the material we will be covering and have the class brainstorm various ways to solve the problem. This question will incorporate props so the students can take a hands-on approach, and will involve a situation that the students may encounter in real life. Then I may choose to present a lesson with a lecture, but reinforce it with a game or by allowing students to try the same problem set by coming up with their own approach, thereby encouraging creativity.
Like those that agree with the social reconstruction philosophy, I believe that an appreciation of diversity is a must in every classroom. Today’s society comes from a variety of backgrounds, and every teacher should embrace these different views and cultural practices. We not only need factual knowledge to be successful in the work place, we also need interpersonal skills so that we can work efficiently with other people. By learning about other cultures, we can nourish students’ respect for one another.
To celebrate diversity in my classroom, my students will research and study the contributions of minorities and women in the field of mathematics. This will be a semester long project in which students work in small groups and pick someone to do a biography on (I will have a list they can choose from or they can choose their own after seeking my approval). At the end of the semester, each group will create a presentation to give to the class. Students will not only be learning to appreciate other cultures, but will also be learning to cooperate in groups and use their creativity when planning a presentation.
I am sure that as a first year teacher I will encounter many challenges when trying to implement my philosophy of education, but I truly believe it will be worth the effort. Students will be active participants in my classroom and I will still be able to teach them the fundamentals of mathematics.
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