Help needed - my philosophy of education

[countrylass]

Hi all

Hope you don't mind me asking for help - I am currently training to be a teacher and am applying for the teaching pools. One of the questions is to describe 'my philosophy of education'. As a trainee teacher my beliefs so far include recognising the vital importance of education, teachers being a positive role model to children, teaching to meet all children's needs and recognising different sorts of achievements (for instance, not all children excel academically but may be talented in other areas.

I know you are probably thinking that I should have this sorted considering what I'm doing, but it's very early on in my course (and we have to apply at this stage). Therefore, I'm filling in a form on the basis of 26 days school experience which I'm sure you'll agree isn't that much!! I would appreciate if any teachers, or anybody in education can give any hints or tips, or advise me whether I'm on the right lines. I always find these forms so daunting!

Thanks

The head of a school whose premises we hire always talks about educating the "whole child" by which she means recognising the importance both socially and academically of the arts, sport and the wider curriculum.

I love this philosophy and looked for a school for my own children with this sort of ethos.

some thoughts straight out of my (one beer drunk already and sleep deprived) brain

There are different parts to my job. One is to teach the children to be learners. Not just to teach them stuff but to teach them how to teach themselves - I suppose to also teach the skills which lead to becoming independent learners. Part of this is also to motivate pupils to want to learn for themselves. To be curious, adventurous, brave in their learning. To not be scared to have a go. Creating a classroom climate where making mistakes is part and parcel of learning and having a go is more prized than sitting silently. Making them feel comfortable enough to take risks is important.

Another part of this is helping the children to have pride in their work ('work' includes discussions etc aswell). To create an atmosphere where pupils try their best not just to get some superficial reward (a merit for example) but to feel good about themselves.

I aim to help every child to reach their potential and if possible to exceed it. I aim to give every child the feeling that they can be sucessful and should have confidence in their abilities. I aim to help my children to have a passion for my subject and a life ling interest in learning. I want then to see science within the greater world. I hope to encorage them to read, to explore, to love music, to enjoy ideas and to spend their lives becoming the best 'them' that they can!

I also teach them that there are times that they have to sit still and listen! That life doesn't owe them a living. That sometimes other peoples ideas are better than their own, and that buggereing about in MRS MBs lab is a damn stupid thing to do

Oh and my lab has a poster that says 'Mistakes are proof that you are trying'

I also tell than that 'I don't know, yet' is not a wrong answer!

I aim to teach children to learn how to learn, so that even if they bugger about in their teenage years, they can get back into it if they realise they have thrown an opportunity away.

My other thoughts are very specific to music teaching - but if by chance that is what you are training to be feel free to contact me.

Thank you so much for all your replies. I've been sitting here for ages going over what I've already written, but your ideas have really helped. Don't get me wrong - I'm not out to 'steal' anyone else's beliefs (!) - it's just that at this very early stage of my career I'm worried about putting the 'wrong' things. To be honest, it's been quite reassuring to read what you have put because alot of what has been written are things that I have put.

Thank you so much once again.

Nearlyfourbob - I'm not doing Music specifically but would be interested to hear your beliefs because I'm doing a learning unit in Music to 'brush up' my knowledge.

Thanks once again.

I'm presuming it's primary teaching? Do you do specific age ranges in the UK?

I'm training to teach 5 to 11 year olds.