Nancy Curley

EDTC 6010

Philosophy of Education Statement

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Philosophy of Education

As an educator I hope to inspire my students with the desire to become lifelong learners who are self-motivated and disciplined. I hope to help them discover and develop their own sense of who they are and to prepare them to lead purpose driven lives. I want my students to understand their connection to their communities both locally and globally.

I see my role in the classroom as key to accomplishing these goals. I do not want my students to see me as the giver of all knowledge in the classroom but to view me as a guide who is also on a journey of learning and discovery with them. This journey should be taken together in a classroom that promotes acceptance and appreciation of our individual differences. The classroom and indeed the school should be a physically and emotionally safe place in order to foster learning. In such a place children would feel free to take risks and not be afraid of the wrong answer.

In order for students to value their education and develop a love for learning, their work in school should be meaningful and authentic. We should as educators be able to answer the age old question, “Why do we have to learn this stuff?” Indeed when students are involved in setting learning goals and given choices they will intrinsically see the value in their work at school. Helping students connect what they learn in the classroom to their own lives is one key to keeping kids engaged.

I believe that my students bring with them a set of experiences, background knowledge and culture that influences the way they learn and the way they perceive new information. Uncovering student’s previous knowledge and possible misconceptions is important to building new knowledge. Teachers must also recognize the new kind of learner they are facing in the classroom today by using the tools of technology to engage learners. Technology can expand the schools reach beyond their communities into the global community.