Educational+Philosophy

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When I look back on my life so far, I find there is a common pattern that presents itself. Using my experiences working with the elderly, as well as my time in the classroom, I have found that I enjoy helping people I meet with companionship, enjoyment and their overall well-being. From my time at the nursing home, to my life as it is today, I find myself enjoying the interactions that I encounter every day with the people around me. The overall need to help someone’s whole person, especially my students, to develop is something that is close to my heart, and I discover that each teaching experience helps to develop this desire. =====

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The understanding that every student brings something to the classroom was one that was developed through my volunteering in a grade 10 practical classroom at Charlottetown Rural High School in Prince Edward Island. Although I was asked to come into the classroom to help the children learn, I believe I too learned a great deal. Each of the students in the class had different challenges and needed extra help. I found it challenging to meet the individual needs of each of the students, but as I got to know each student separately I was able to find ways to help him or her each in a different way. The need for differentiation within the classroom was developed through this experience, and the ones that followed, and I believe that each teacher needs to adapt their lessons to help ensure the success of all the students in their class. By using different learning styles, or changing specific aspects of a concept based on your classroom dynamic, each student can be given the chance to learn in an environment that is tailored-made for them. =====

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Creating an environment that is tailored-made for your students is one that can be hindering at times. However, I believe that I need to get to know my students personally in order to develop a strong academic relationship with them. My students are not going to want to learn from me unless I try to develop my teaching skills around the things that interest them. By knowing who your student is and what they are capable of, I am able to understand who they are not only as students, but people within my classroom. Each student has different backgrounds and experiences which help to shape them into the students they are today. Developing relationships with your students individually, and as a class, allows me to become more personable teacher. Having strong relationships with my students will allow my students to feel good about entering my classroom and be willing to collaborate with me and their peers to do their best. =====

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My own pleasure in learning never ceases and being able to take my ideas and teach is something that I find exhilarating. Developing relationships with my students and colleagues has taught me numerous things about myself as a teacher, and myself as a person in general. The enthusiasm and joy I have in helping others has been enhanced through all my teaching encounters, and I know that my experiences as I continue as a professional teacher will be even more productive and full of enthusiasm in the future as they are now. =====