Teaching Philosophy
You undoubtedly possess the content knowledge necessary to teach your subject matter. But what inspires you to teach? Reflecting on why and how you teach informs you on your implicit values about teaching and can influence your teaching style. Being able to share your values with your learners is an important “human” component to the teaching and learning dynamic. In the following section, you will find resources to get started on your teaching philosophy/statement and ways to become a more critically reflective facilitator.
Teaching with Purpose: Exploring Your Philosophy
Ateaching philosophy:
- identifies you as an instructor
- identifies the beliefs you hold about teaching and why/how those beliefs influence your teaching
- informs your teaching
- allows you to share with others the values behind your teaching so they understand you as an educator and your instructional style.
Step-by-Step: Building Your Teaching Philosophy
There are various philosophical lenses you can use to help create your teaching philosophy.
Take the which highlights five philosophical orientations:
- Behavioral-Education for building skills
- Liberal-Education for Intellectual Development
- Progressive-Education for problem-solving
- Humanistic-Education for self-actualization
- Radical-Education for social change-coordinator
Spend some time looking at these philosophical orientations. Which of the qualities resonate with you?
Which characteristics do you seem to rely on, and which characteristics do you wish to develop and integrate into your teaching style?
Jot downyour initial thoughts as they align with the philosophical orientations noted by Zinn.
- Purpose of Education
- View of Learner’s Role
- View of Teacher’s Role
- Concepts/Keywords that relate to your values of teaching & learning
- Methods for Instructional Practices (e.g, discussions, lectures, reflection, etc.)
Elements of an Authentic Teaching Philosophy
Consider the elements that go into a teaching philosophy statement:
- Use your own voice
- Highlight your strengths
- Be authentic
- What are your core beliefs/values of education?
- Why do you teach?
- How do you teach (what are your beliefs around classroom management; how do you honor differences, how do you incorporate technology within teaching)?
- How do you measure your own effectiveness?
Templates
Once you have jotted your thoughts and ideas on the above elements, review the Preparing Your Professional Teaching Statement template and the tutorial to help you develop a succinct teaching philosophy.
Next Steps
A teaching philosophy does not remain static and requires on going reflection. Click on these tips for more information on how to become a critically reflective facilitator.
Resources and Tools
Zinn, L. M. (2004). Exploring your philosophical orientation. In M. W. Galbraith (Ed.),Adult learning methods: A guide for effective instruction (3rd ed.). Krieger Publishing Co.
For additional information:
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from the Top Hat Blog