WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR TEACHERS TO HAVE PHILOSOPHY IN

TEACHING?

“I hear and I think. I see and I remember. I do and I

understand” (Confucius)

Plants are shaped by cultivation and men by education.

.. We are born weak, we need strength; we are born totally

unprovided, we need aid; we are born stupid, we need

judgment. Everything we do not have at our birth and which

we need when we are grown is given us by education.

(Jean Jacques Rousseau, Emile, On Philosophy of

Education)

PHILOSOPHY

Philosophy is a study that seeks to understand the

mysteries of existence and reality. It tries to discover the

nature of truth and knowledge and to find what is of basic

value and importance in life. It also examines the

relationships between humanity and nature and between the

individual and society. Philosophy arises out of wonder,

curiosity, and the desire to know and understand. Philosophy

is thus a form of inquiry – a process of analysis,

criticism, interpretation, and speculation.

The term philosophy cannot be defined precisely because

the subject is so complex and so controversial. Different

philosophers have different views of the nature, methods,

and range of philosophy. The term philosophy itself comes

from the Greek philosophia, which means love of wisdom. In

that sense, wisdom is the active use of intelligence, not

something passive that a person simply possesses.

PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION

A philosophical framework, often called your philosophy

of education, is simply, what you believe about the

educational process, and how you plan to approach your

classroom/students given whatever circumstances. Your

personal philosophy as a teacher is what drives your

classroom experience. How you think students learn, what you

think they should learn, how they should be expected to

behave depends on your philosophy.

IMPORTANCE OF PHILOSOPHY IN TEACHING

 Teaching philosophy shows that you are ready and able

to teach the students.

 It gives you reason to teach.
 A teaching philosophy describes your general approach

to teaching.
 It serves as your guide in reflecting your teaching

practice.
 It is an indication of your interest and dedication on

your teaching.

EXAMPLES OF TEACHER’s PHILOSOPHY in TEACHING

1. " The highest function of the teacher consists not so

much in imparting knowledge as in stimulating the pupil

in its love and pursuit" - Henri Amiel

2. I seek to encourage each student to develop their own

philosophy and personal ethic toward learning and

living. What I promote to students is not, I believe,

 the product of learning, it is the foundation of

learning.

3. Because if our common interest I presume that we will

learn together. Therefore I expect students will, at

times, lead me to new understanding even while I am

providing leadership for them. Thus each course becomes

"ours" rather than "mine." Increasingly I see my role

as the purveyor of knowledge diminishing while those of

mentor and coach become more central to my teaching.

4. I believe that learning is the purpose of life. I also

believe that most learning comes from experience either

direct or vicarious and I know that a lot of meaningful

learning occurs with no teacher.

5. But, at the end of the day, if the student is not

improving there is no use of such teaching.

Nine Characteristics of a Great Teacher

By: Maria Orlando, EdD in Philosophy of Teaching

Teaching is hard work and some teachers never grow

to be anything better than mediocre. They do the bare

minimum required and very little more. The great teachers,

however, work tirelessly to create a challenging, nurturing

environment for their students. Great teaching seems to have

less to do with our knowledge and skills than with our

attitude toward our students, our subject, and our work.

1. A great teacher respects students. In a great

teacher’s classroom, each person’s ideas and opinions are

valued. Students feel safe to express their feelings and

learn to respect and listen to others. This teacher creates

a welcoming learning environment for all students.

2. A great teacher creates a sense of community and

belonging in the classroom. The mutual respect in this

teacher’s classroom provides a supportive, collaborative

environment. In this small community, there are rules to

follow and jobs to be done and each student is aware that he

or she is an important, integral part of the group. A great

teacher lets students know that they can depend not only on

her, but also on the entire class.

3. A great teacher is warm, accessible, enthusiastic

and caring. This person is approachable, not only to

students, but to everyone on campus. This is the teacher to

whom students know they can go with any problems or concerns

or even to share a funny story. Great teachers possess good

listening skills and take time out of their way-too-busy

schedules for anyone who needs them. If this teacher is

having a bad day, no one ever knows—the teacher leaves

personal baggage outside the school doors.

4. A great teacher sets high expectations for all

students. This teacher realizes that the expectations she

has for her students greatly affect their achievement; she

knows that students generally give to teachers as much or as

little as is expected of them.

5. A great teacher has his own love of learning and

inspires students with his passion for education and for the

course material. He constantly renews himself as a

professional on his quest to provide students with the

highest quality of education possible. This teacher has no

fear of learning new teaching strategies or incorporating

new technologies into lessons, and always seems to be the

one who is willing to share what he’s learned with

colleagues.

6. A great teacher is a skilled leader. Different from

administrative leaders, effective teachers focus on shared

decision-making and teamwork, as well as on community

building. This great teacher conveys this sense of

leadership to students by providing opportunities for each

of them to assume leadership roles.

7. A great teacher can “shift-gears” and is flexible

when a lesson isn’t working. This teacher assesses his

teaching throughout the lessons and finds new ways to

present material to make sure that every student understands

the key concepts.

8. A great teacher collaborates with colleagues on an

ongoing basis. Rather than thinking of herself as weak

because she asks for suggestions or help, this teacher views

collaboration as a way to learn from a fellow professional.

A great teacher uses constructive criticism and advice as an

opportunity to grow as an educator.

9. A great teacher maintains professionalism in all

areas—from personal appearance to organizational skills and

preparedness for each day. Her communication skills are

exemplary, whether she is speaking with an administrator,

one of her students or a colleague. The respect that the

great teacher receives because of her professional manner is

obvious to those around her.

While teaching is a gift that comes quite naturally

for some, others have to work overtime to achieve great

teacher status. Yet the payoff is enormous — for both you

and your students.

Prepared by:

Ms. Liezel B. Gonzales

Ms. Jennifer . Bunquin

( MaEd – Math)