So, write my philosophy of education? The idea was very overwhelming and scary at first. It has to be meaningful, and, for me, that was a really tough task. Where do I begin? After giving it lots of thought, I decided to begin with my own childhood educational experiences, and put them down in a timeline of memories.
As young girl, I moved around the world, and attended many different schools. And, even in the US, I moved around a lot to different states, and lived in urban areas to more rural communities.
This was during the 1960’s and 1970’s, so there was a lot going on in the world historically. The Vietnam War was still going strong, and there were lots of protests against it. It was a time of change both for racial justice and civil rights for all people. And, then the hippies came around, and movements began to question authority.
In the 60’s, schools were basically all the same. Even though the actual communities were different, the classroom teaching style ran consistently the same. Kids followed the rules, and never questioned what our teachers told us. We learned all the basics, but I’m not sure if I was able to explore new ideas or think outside the box. And, yet, I loved school and I had a clear idea of what was expected of me.
Then in the 70’s things changed completely around. I went to high school in Spain, which was very liberal and they encouraged creativity. It was there, that I realized I am an artist, and pursued that a career for many years. I was taught to be a critical thinker and question traditional values, etc.
By going back in time to my own life’s experiences in schools, it has helped me to figure out that I want to find a balance in my classroom between teaching content and encouraging creativity and individuality.
I like the idea of teaching kids to think critically for themselves and be able to problem-solve, within reason of course. I want to teach Elementary School. But, I still think this approach will help students to continue learning outside the classroom as well.
I had to look at my own life experiences to start to develop my philosophy of education as well. It sounds like you have encountered a lot of diversity and multiculturalism in your life. I also agree that it's important to encourage creativity in the classroom. It seems like the creativity chanllenges the students to become critical thinkers.
ReplyDeleteI believe our personal experiences are really important because they shape us into who we are. I believe we cannot separate our personal experiences from our philosophy of education. Your personal experiences are one of a kind Karen. I know your personal experiences will continue to shape your philosophy of education. It's only a matter of time before you figure it out.
Karen, I know how overwhelmed you felt!! I felt the same. Education is such a broad topic and you can only pick a few areas to base your philosophy on! I too used my own education experiences to get started on my philosophy paper. Although your experiences are a little different than mine. I think you must have a great start on your paper after reading about your education experiences! I think we learn the most from personal experiences and in turn that affects what we believe in and want for the future. Good Luck :)
ReplyDeleteI think your experiences are really helping you come to a philosophy of substance. Schooling here was and is much different than in other parts of the world...and I would agree with you that America is much less liberal and creative. Children growing up in the 50s and 60s were a part of "traditional" classrooms, where children had little say and teachers "knew best". My father grew up up mainly in the 50s and into the early 60s as a young school-aged kid, and he tells me he wishes schools were still like that. Not sure what he means...maybe he is relating it to children having manners and learning how to behave well in society...I believe he thinks kids are on a downward slide. But, this is coming from a baby-boomer who pretty much lived the picket-fence life throughout his childhood.
ReplyDeleteI like that you want kids to think critically and outside the box. Maybe this is a change that is much needed in today's schools.
Content versus creativity. They both go hand in hand. Musicians need to learn the content of music (such as reading music); however, the true goal is to spontaneously create (think jazz). Content is the basis, and creativity is the extension of that basis.
ReplyDeleteAlbert Einstein
Imagination is more important than knowledge.
Yes philosophy is a tough task. Why are we here? It is good to start from childhood. That is where I started. I found a great need for education later in life and as I look back I noticed a lot of the events, outside my control, have a lot to do with my present day academic struggles. Hence, now as an EA I am sensitive to students’ family backgrounds. Moving a lot for you must have been rough? Wow the Vietnam war seems America’s turning point. You lived through this and I need to know more. So you feel “outside” thinking was not encouraged at the time you were getting your education. Maybe schools were similar (I like your point) but communities were different.
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