Monday, August 11, 2008

A Statement of Teaching

In the article How to Write a Statement of Teaching Philosophy, Gabriela Montell takes the reader through the process of finding a teaching philosophy. This is can be a difficult task for some so Motell suggests breaking the components of a teaching philosophy down. For instance, asking questions like, “What do I believe about learning” or “What don’t I like in a teacher?”

Another crucial aspect of forming a teaching philosophy is becoming educated and understanding the expectations of an institution. Elements such as, size of classroom or background of a school can impact how a teacher should operate.

Montell further emphasizes how the foundation of a teaching philosophy is a key aspect of grabbing the attention of an audience. Using empty statements that have no grounding in your teaching discipline will create a false atmosphere. Montell’s last advice is to “Just Be Yourself.”

I found this article very helpful and I really enjoyed how Montell broke it down and made writing a teaching philosophy less intimidating. Whenever I am presented with a similar question pertaining to a teaching philosophy I feel myself go into anxiety mode. Having read this has encouraged me and helped me face my fear of addressing my own teaching philosophy.

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