There is much in the research on teaching
that shows that our beliefs about the nature of teaching, learning, education,
classrooms, and schools have a very strong impact on what and how (as
well as why, who, and where) we teach.
The goal of this portfolio item is to have you articulate ideas about your profession that you may have already reflected upon or written about in other classes. Since these beliefs have such a strong impact on your teaching, it is important to have them expressed implicitly. By stating your beliefs explicitly, you can use them to consciously create the learning you which to occur.
You probably have written an educational philosophy for another class. As you consider the educational philosophy that you will include in your portfolio, you will need to revise what your wrote previously. Remember the audience of your portfolio is not only me, but also other educators -- principals, superintendents, other teachers, and parents. Your educational philosophy should be accessible to all these audiences and should not exceed two pages. One page single-spaced would be best.
Others have used key words from their
philosophy to create a theme for their portfolio. You might want to consider
whether your philosophy could help you organize your portfolio.
Consider the following questions. Address those that are most salient to your philosophy:
| * What is teaching? What is learning? * What is the purpose of school? What is the purpose of education? * What is the role of the teacher? * What needs to be taught in schools? Why? * What are the relationships between teachers and students, parents, school and community? * What are your views on assessment and evaluation? |
The paper needs to be grammatically accurate and appropriate.
Your writing needs to be clear and coherent. Feel free to quote or reference
others, but remember to include your references.