Personal Philosophy Paper
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My Personal Philosophy of Education
Raquia Franke L25574159
Liberty University EDUC 305
Dr. Richard Dolan
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Abstract
As an Educator I must investigate distinctive hypotheses/theories of training and adjust myself to
the one with which I reverberate the most to become an effective educator. I will make it my duty
to offer all of my scholars a quality education, and mold each scholar to become law abiding
citizens. I will know how to teach in a diverse classroom, create a warm and friendly learning
environment, keep an open door policy, and make sure my scholars value education as much as I
do. I will not restrict myself to the qualities and goals of one theorist because I feel by doing so
will put a restriction on the education I provide, I rather my perspective and logic of life and
instruction be fundamentally scriptural and in return I can focus on diversity, realistic education,
education values and my scholars personally well-being. In conclusion, my view of philosophy
and how it directly correlates to the classroom, is based on individual learning styles. Educators
should be able to adapt to the classroom culture and utilize theological theories when necessary.
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My Personal Philosophy of Education
As an educator, it is my inept duty to fully understand, research and apply, historical
theories. I must ensure that my productivity is aligned with standards set by each district’s
educational goals. Public school systems are not equipped to fully engage students in theology,
as a Christian educator I must find unique ways to incorporate Biblical views into secular lesson
plans. If education is to be successful, we must have a basic understanding of the nature and
purpose of humankind (Barley, Layman and White 2003).
My Worldview and Philosophy of Life
The Bible being the book of all truths, I live my life by inquiring the Bible as my
definitive power. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for
reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16 KJV). My personal
perception and world-view has a direct impact on how I will facilitate. I have a great
understanding for human nature and how the “unseen” is related to concepts that can be
scientifically proven. I will try to incorporate a lesson plan that teaches the “whole child” and
takes into consideration, different learning styles and backgrounds. Diversity and sensitivity are
major components in ensuring learners are structurally capable of adapting to “real-life”
situations. The study of metaphysics includes basic categories about humans so that teachers can
make proper pedagogical and curricular decisions (Braley et al., 2003).
Perception is reality and it shapes the educators view of his/her classroom. The
classroom environment should encourage self-awareness and a positive world view. Our reality
is shaped by experience and is shared from generation to generation. Culture, tradition and
religion shape are learners and the way they retain information. Ontology analyzes, explains, and
defines real things so that humans can deliberate on these categories of existence. It is the most
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basic of the philosophical pursuits, the foundation of all other philosophical and academic
enterprises (Braley et al., 2003). My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall
receive the greater condemnation.2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in
word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body (James 3;1-2 KJV).
Family is one of the most important values to me. I believe this sets the foundation for
every fundamental ideology. Core values such as respect for elders, honoring your mother and
father and preservation of marriage are all found in the bible. Children are our future and the
should be educated in a manner that reflects true Christian values. As an educator I will impart a
strong work ethic in my learners. Secular and sacred work can be used to honor God. What is
needed is a balanced perspective that is based on the healthy personal integration of the affective
and cognitive sides of life (Carter and Narramore,1979 p.120). As an educator I expect my
learners to value stewardship and incorporate it in their everyday life. Recognizing that God is
the Author of all good and perfect gifts, we endeavor as Christians to be responsible stewards of
the resources entrusted to us (Braley et al., 2003).
Educators must have a complete understanding of how one becomes knowledgeable. We
must be able to facilitate that need by developing a curriculum that fosters learning and is in
accordance with district mandates. Dewey understood that ideals are formulated, as well as
generated, through experience. Empowering learners with an understanding of social
significance should include critical thinking activities and hands on learning. Teachers are
guides, discussion leaders, and above all, organizers of interactive group experiences (Braley et
al., 2003). I believe that J. Dewey’s methodology closely resembles how I want to shape my
classroom. Scholars should be actively engaged in the learning process. Educators should focus
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on the significance of the learner and should include group activities in which they have the
ability to work together to develop skills.
Utilizing a curriculum that allows students to be fully engaged and build off their
previous knowledge back will allow optimal learning. Learning can be labeled into three broad
learning models, behaviorist learning model, humanistic learning model and cognitive-
interactionist learning model. The behaviorist model focuses on the learner being passive. The
educator communicates knowledge and conclusions and subsequently reinforces this knowledge
by soliciting the learner’s response. The Humanistic learning model is comprised of the learning
being an active participant. Educators provide resources and the lesson plan is more critical
thinking based. The final learning model is Cognitive-Interactionist; in this model the scholar is
interactive. Educators, provide questions related to specific curriculum that allows learners to
research and use critical thinking skills to process newly learned information. Characterized by
emphasis on science, mathematics, phonics, back to basic, time on task, standardized testing,
computers, technical competence and practical knowledge (Braley et al., 2003).
The learner’s role in education is to be a sponge, with an open mind. The learner must be
able to verbalize what strategies assist in the learning process and which ones deter learning. A
strong foundation should be built in the learner’s home and reinforced in school. Parents are
always the first teachers. The educator should be able to create an environment in which students
are allowed to learn in group setting, such as working on projects. The group setting allows each
student to share best practices. It is the educators job to ensure that the groups are of mixed skill
level to ensure that each learner receives an adequate learning experience. In some lessons it may
be necessary for the learner to be allowed time to process the skill after a group setting. Like
good carpenters, expert teachers possess a number of tools are competent in their use, and select
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those that are best designed for the particular task that needs to be accomplished (Braley et al.,
2003).
Education in America, is unique because we are a diverse nation. We are made up of
many nationalities and ethnicities which shape the classroom culture. Educators must also take
into consideration factors such as learning disabilities and social economic status. In order to
effectively meet the needs of diverse learner’s educators must create an environment which
embraces all cultures, languages, religion, etc. Educators can try to acquire and express
comprehension of diverse scholars by building on the knowledge the learners bring into the
classroom. No child left behind focuses on the learning gaps among diverse learners. The federal
law set standards to ensure that all students succeed regardless of their social economic status or
ethnicity. Schools were held accountable and required to meet state “adequate yearly progress”
goals. Students who attend schools with a diverse population can develop an understanding
of the perspectives of children from different backgrounds and learn to function in a
multicultural, multiethnic environment (Great schools staff,2016).
In conclusion, my personal world-view will have a profound effect on how I educate
learners. I believe that all learners come from diverse backgrounds and as educators it is our
duty to provide an environment in which the learners are able to blossom. Have we not all
one father? hath not one God created us? why do we deal treacherously every man against his
brother, by profaning the covenant of our fathers? ( Malachi 2:10 KJV).
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References
Braley, J. W., Layman, J., & White, R. (2003). Foundations of Christian school education.
Colorado Springs, CO: Purposeful Design Publications.
Carter, J. D., & Narramore, B. (1979). The integration of psychology and theology: An
introduction. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.
How important is cultural diversity at your school? | Parenting. (2017, March 7). Retrieved from
http://www.greatschools.org/gk/articles/cultural-diversity-at-school/
