Chapter 7: Thinking about Teaching and Learning

In Chapter 7 of The Joy’s of Teaching, we see many great methods that could possibly when making a philosophy for teaching. It brings up key factors we as prospering teachers must consider when making a philosophy for teaching. Below are three of the methods I found helpful in thinking up ideas to add to my philosophy statement…

One of the methods I found that I thought could possibly be of use in my teaching philosophy would be that of reflection. I believe this is a great method to help one improve as a teacher. In order to do so, I would have to keep my lesson ideas with a brief description of how each worked for the class. This would help me reflect on whether the methods I am using are worth using again and improving on, or whether I should get rid of them and find something new. Only through reflecting on the different learning activities I do in my classroom will I be able to see what is effective and what I need to change so that my students get the best out of the learning experience.

Another method I found interesting and worth adding to my statement would be the idea of the focused classrooms. I believe my class would benefit from being a student-focused classroom with maybe some aspects of the teacher-focused classroom. I believe the only way I will know whether my students are understanding is if I am able to know what they are thinking and it is clear in this chapter that in the teacher-focused classroom it is hard to understand what your students are thinking and how well they are understanding each lesson.  I believe by taking on the student-focused classroom there will be more discussions, more open learning environment, more respect, better understanding of struggle areas, and will keep my students interested in the lessons.

The third method I found quite interesting would be Taba’s design of curriculum. His ideas for designing a curriculum seem to take all aspects into consideration, which is something I find very important when making a good curriculum. If you are thinking of all the aspects he has brought forward it makes you think about what you truly want your students to learn, the best way you can do so, and what means are necessary when helping getting across your lesson.