PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU CANNOT TYPE INTO THIS DOUCMENT. YOU WILL HAVE TO TYPE INTO THE TEXT AND IMAGE BOX OR ADD AN ATTACHMENT IN ADDING ALL

Philosophy of Education With Template

Philosophy

 Introduction & Beliefs

In two (2) paragraph, introduce yourself and your overall beliefs.  You should answer, but not necessarily limit yourself to, the following questions:

• Who are you, and why do you want to be a teacher?
• What program are in (TEP, Education minor, AMP, ABC)?
• What's your certification area? Why did you choose that subject?
• What do you believe are the qualities of an effective teacher?

Your introduction of yourself should be brief. Work in a link to the About Me section of your portfolio so that readers can find more details about you if they like.

(Note: You never have to give your name in this kind of LiveText introduction. Any reviewers have probably seen your name twice just in the process of clicking through the text they're reading.)

Philosophical Alignment

In three (3) paragraphs, articulate your philosophy of education. You should answer, but not necessarily limit yourself to, the following questions:

• Which of the philosophical theories of education relates best with your beliefs? Why?
• Are there any aspects of this theory with wich you disagree? Why?  OR   Are you also drawn to another theory? Why?
• Can you cite any research about this theory to demonstrate its support of your beliefs? (APA citation style required)

Philosophical Foundations

TEP candidates and education minors should use this section to indicate how their philosophy builds on and extends their learning from their foundations courses. Be specific, not general, about your philosophy. Links to previous LiveText projects are necessary, but not sufficient, for indicting philosophical growth. TEP candidates can use the Resources section of the project to augment their thinking.

AMP students should use the Resources sections of the project to indicate the 2-3 most important results of their research into educational philosophy.  

Experiential Alignment

 In one or two paragraphs, describe key personal experiences that support your beliefs and your choice of educational theory. These should be in the nature of specific stories from your experience.

Beliefs into Action

 Describe two to three specific, concrete ways that you will implement your philosophy in your classroom. Describe each implementation method in one paragraph.

Further Reflection

List 3 to 5 questions you still have regarding your personal philosophy. These should be questions that you will need to continue seeking as you continue your preparation to become a teacher.

HOW TO DEVELOP A PHILOSOPHY OF MATHEMATICS EDUCATION

In class we have discussed that it is important to have a philosophy of mathematics education.  A well articulated philosophy will provide the basis for theories of learning that address such issues as how best to teach a subject area, problem solving, and values.  Unlike theories of learning that are based on psychology, those based on philosophy do not attempt to explain systematically how students learn but, instead, direct educators toward goals and methodologies that explore the nature of knowing.  Thus, a well-formulated philosophy will help the mathematics teacher make critical educational decisions.  It will also help the teacher think rationally, clarify ambiguity, and interpret others’ beliefs.  If being able to articulate a philosophy of mathematics education is so important, how can you develop one?

The best way to begin developing a personal philosophy of mathematics education is by examining the traditions of mathematics instruction.  The NCTM & Common Core Standards and learning theories we have discussed in class should help shape your philosophy.  Next, refer to the five schools of philosophy discussed in your educational foundation classes.  The five schools of philosophy include idealism, realism, pragmatism, existentialism, and philosophical analysis.  (See this link for additional information:  www.school-for-champions.com/education/philosophies.htm. )  Determine which philosophy comes closest to your beliefs?  Perhaps you agree with more than one.  In fact, you may be attracted in different ways to all of them, but focus on 1 or 2 that best fit your beliefs (not all of them).  Think about how this philosophy interfaces with the tradition of mathematics instruction with which you most closely agree.

Take time to reflect on your personal beliefs.  For example, if you believe that the universe exists independently of humankind and humans have limited control over it (realism), then it is likely that your goals for mathematics will emphasize teaching the students about the existing universe.  On the other hand, if you believe that reality is continuously changing and that humans can affect how it changes, then it is likely that your goals will involve teaching the students to deal with the changing universe and assisting them in becoming agents of change.  It is important to note that differing philosophical beliefs do not always lead to different goals and hence different educational practices.  Some people arrive at the same destination from different starting points.  In other words, in spite of differing educational philosophies, two teachers might employ the same teaching methodology.  Conversely, people with similar philosophical orientations will not always have the same goals or teach in the same way.

 After reflecting on your personal beliefs and examining the various philosophies, theories, and traditions involved in mathematics education, write your philosophical statement.  Include items such as the purpose of mathematics, the goals of mathematics, content, how it should be taught as related to how children learn best, and how best to evaluate student success in mathematics.  Once you have written your philosophy, examine it again in terms of your own beliefs.  Is it compatible?  Are you comfortable with the elements of the philosophies and theories of education you have selected?  If you are not comfortable, you need to return to step one and start all over again. 

This should be typewritten, double-spaced, with 1 inch margins, 12-point Times New Roman font.  Be sure you proofread for spelling and grammar.  Do not put your paper in a plastic folder.  The maximum length of the paper should not exceed five pages (2-5 pages).  Note- this is not the same as the philosophy of classroom management paper that some of you may have written for EHS 456/556.  However, you may have written a similar philosophy paper in an introduction to teaching course.  In this case, your paper for my class may be a revision of this previous paper taking into consideration our study of the NCTM Standards and the learning theories we’ve examined.  .

GRADING RUBRIC

Grading Criteria  

Philosophy statement is connected to research findings and previous works on philosophy         1

Philosophy statement accurately reflects the overall goal of mathematics       1

Philosophy statement is grounded in personal experiences               1

Philosophy statement is consistent with best practices as justified by theory and research            1

Philosophy statement shows evidence of the student’s self-reflection and self-awareness as a future mathematics teacher    1

Total Points Earned out of 5                

HOW TO DEVELOP A PHILOSOPHY OF MATHEMATICS EDUCATION

In class we have discussed that it is important to have a philosophy of mathematics education.  A well articulated philosophy will provide the basis for theories of learning that address such issues as how best to teach a subject area, problem solving, and values.  Unlike theories of learning that are based on psychology, those based on philosophy do not attempt to explain systematically how students learn but, instead, direct educators toward goals and methodologies that explore the nature of knowing.  Thus, a well-formulated philosophy will help the mathematics teacher make critical educational decisions.  It will also help the teacher think rationally, clarify ambiguity, and interpret others’ beliefs.  If being able to articulate a philosophy of mathematics education is so important, how can you develop one?

The best way to begin developing a personal philosophy of mathematics education is by examining the traditions of mathematics instruction.  The NCTM & Common Core Standards and learning theories we have discussed in class should help shape your philosophy.  Next, refer to the five schools of philosophy discussed in your educational foundation classes.  The five schools of philosophy include idealism, realism, pragmatism, existentialism, and philosophical analysis.  (See this link for additional information:  www.school-for-champions.com/education/philosophies.htm. )  Determine which philosophy comes closest to your beliefs?  Perhaps you agree with more than one.  In fact, you may be attracted in different ways to all of them, but focus on 1 or 2 that best fit your beliefs (not all of them).  Think about how this philosophy interfaces with the tradition of mathematics instruction with which you most closely agree.

Take time to reflect on your personal beliefs.  For example, if you believe that the universe exists independently of humankind and humans have limited control over it (realism), then it is likely that your goals for mathematics will emphasize teaching the students about the existing universe.  On the other hand, if you believe that reality is continuously changing and that humans can affect how it changes, then it is likely that your goals will involve teaching the students to deal with the changing universe and assisting them in becoming agents of change.  It is important to note that differing philosophical beliefs do not always lead to different goals and hence different educational practices.  Some people arrive at the same destination from different starting points.  In other words, in spite of differing educational philosophies, two teachers might employ the same teaching methodology.  Conversely, people with similar philosophical orientations will not always have the same goals or teach in the same way.

After reflecting on your personal beliefs and examining the various philosophies, theories, and traditions involved in mathematics education, write your philosophical statement.  Include items such as the purpose of mathematics, the goals of mathematics, content, how it should be taught as related to how children learn best, and how best to evaluate student success in mathematics.  Once you have written your philosophy, examine it again in terms of your own beliefs.  Is it compatible?  Are you comfortable with the elements of the philosophies and theories of education you have selected?  If you are not comfortable, you need to return to step one and start all over again. 

This should be typewritten, double-spaced, with 1 inch margins, 12-point Times New Roman font.  Be sure you proofread for spelling and grammar.  Do not put your paper in a plastic folder.  The maximum length of the paper should not exceed five pages (2-5 pages).  Note- this is not the same as the philosophy of classroom management paper that some of you may have written for EHS 456/556.  However, you may have written a similar philosophy paper in an introduction to teaching course.  In this case, your paper for my class may be a revision of this previous paper taking into consideration our study of the NCTM Standards and the learning theories we’ve examined.  .

GRADING RUBRIC

Grading Criteria  

Philosophy statement is connected to research findings and previous works on philosophy         1

Philosophy statement accurately reflects the overall goal of mathematics       1

Philosophy statement is grounded in personal experiences               1

Philosophy statement is consistent with best practices as justified by theory and research            1

Philosophy statement shows evidence of the student’s self-reflection and self-awareness as a future mathematics teacher    1

Total Points Earned out of 5                

HOW TO DEVELOP A PHILOSOPHY OF MATHEMATICS EDUCATION

 In class we have discussed that it is important to have a philosophy of mathematics education.  A well articulated philosophy will provide the basis for theories of learning that address such issues as how best to teach a subject area, problem solving, and values.  Unlike theories of learning that are based on psychology, those based on philosophy do not attempt to explain systematically how students learn but, instead, direct educators toward goals and methodologies that explore the nature of knowing.  Thus, a well-formulated philosophy will help the mathematics teacher make critical educational decisions.  It will also help the teacher think rationally, clarify ambiguity, and interpret others’ beliefs.  If being able to articulate a philosophy of mathematics education is so important, how can you develop one?

The best way to begin developing a personal philosophy of mathematics education is by examining the traditions of mathematics instruction.  The NCTM & Common Core Standards and learning theories we have discussed in class should help shape your philosophy.  Next, refer to the five schools of philosophy discussed in your educational foundation classes.  The five schools of philosophy include idealism, realism, pragmatism, existentialism, and philosophical analysis.  (See this link for additional information:  www.school-for-champions.com/education/philosophies.htm. )  Determine which philosophy comes closest to your beliefs?  Perhaps you agree with more than one.  In fact, you may be attracted in different ways to all of them, but focus on 1 or 2 that best fit your beliefs (not all of them).  Think about how this philosophy interfaces with the tradition of mathematics instruction with which you most closely agree.

Take time to reflect on your personal beliefs.  For example, if you believe that the universe exists independently of humankind and humans have limited control over it (realism), then it is likely that your goals for mathematics will emphasize teaching the students about the existing universe.  On the other hand, if you believe that reality is continuously changing and that humans can affect how it changes, then it is likely that your goals will involve teaching the students to deal with the changing universe and assisting them in becoming agents of change.  It is important to note that differing philosophical beliefs do not always lead to different goals and hence different educational practices.  Some people arrive at the same destination from different starting points.  In other words, in spite of differing educational philosophies, two teachers might employ the same teaching methodology.  Conversely, people with similar philosophical orientations will not always have the same goals or teach in the same way.

After reflecting on your personal beliefs and examining the various philosophies, theories, and traditions involved in mathematics education, write your philosophical statement.  Include items such as the purpose of mathematics, the goals of mathematics, content, how it should be taught as related to how children learn best, and how best to evaluate student success in mathematics.  Once you have written your philosophy, examine it again in terms of your own beliefs.  Is it compatible?  Are you comfortable with the elements of the philosophies and theories of education you have selected?  If you are not comfortable, you need to return to step one and start all over again. 

This should be typewritten, double-spaced, with 1 inch margins, 12-point Times New Roman font.  Be sure you proofread for spelling and grammar.  Do not put your paper in a plastic folder.  The maximum length of the paper should not exceed five pages (2-5 pages).  Note- this is not the same as the philosophy of classroom management paper that some of you may have written for EHS 456/556.  However, you may have written a similar philosophy paper in an introduction to teaching course.  In this case, your paper for my class may be a revision of this previous paper taking into consideration our study of the NCTM Standards and the learning theories we’ve examined.  .

GRADING RUBRIC

Grading Criteria  

Philosophy statement is connected to research findings and previous works on philosophy         1

Philosophy statement accurately reflects the overall goal of mathematics       1

Philosophy statement is grounded in personal experiences               1

Philosophy statement is consistent with best practices as justified by theory and research            1

Philosophy statement shows evidence of the student’s self-reflection and self-awareness as a future mathematics teacher    1

Total Points Earned out of 5