RUNNING HEAD: Educational Philosophy
Paper
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Using A Learner-Centered Approach in
Education Sherrice Robinson L30098011
EDUC 604
Dr. Kenneth Gossett
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Abstract
Education is the underpinning for all we do in life, it shapes who we are and our aspiration.
I became an educator because I want to make a difference. While there are many professions in
which I could accomplish this goal, education is the one in which I can have the greatest impact.
Every day, children are often being told that they aren't good enough, or they don’t measure up".
As an educator, I have the opportunity to provide a positive platform from which to eliminate this
misconception. This is important because these very students are going to be productive citizens
one day and/or possibly, even teaching the next generation.
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Educators are mentors and play an active role in instructing independent thinking in
students. However, in order to be successful in this role one should have a teaching philosophy of
their own. After reading, research, and personal reflection through this coursework of the history of
western education, I have had to take a closer look at my personal philosophy of education and
reconsider and reassess my philosophical positions. The purpose of this paper will serve to
summarize my philosophy of education and how it relates to my instructional practices, my role as
an educator, and my practical beliefs about education.
Philosophy of Schools & Learning
The Bible states “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not
depart from it (Proverbs 22:6 ESV). Education is key to constructing a culture that fosters critical
thinkers. As I reflect on my personal philosophy, it is important to align that philosophy in the
classroom and learning. As I recall the educational philosophers studied in the course, there are
several that contribute to my philosophy. My philosophy of education is slightly based on the
approach of Pestalozzi. Pestalozzi believed that the powers of the head, heart, and hands should be
developed and enhanced by education. Like Pestalozzi, as an educator, I see the importance of a
well-rounded education that cultivates an education of the head, heart and hands but always guided
by the heart. “Pestalozzi recognized the reality that human nature is unchanging” (Gutek, p. 236).
As an educator, I believe in a child-centered approach to teaching focusing on the needs and
interest of the students. Students should be active participants in their learning experience. An
educator has an important role to motivate and engage students in learning. “The best teachers
aren’t just content experts. They not only understand how children learn; they are intrigued by the
way that children learn. Content experts may get really excited about sharing their knowledge. But
effective teachers get really excited because students are making it their knowledge. That’s a
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crucial distinction” (Richardson, 2013). Being aware of how your students learn and their needs
and abilities allows you to modify your instructional practices to meet these needs.
Instructional Practice
As an educator, you want to provide a safe environment that gives your students the
opportunity to learn and grow and be nurtured. One of the greatest benefits of being an educator is
realizing how the learning process is reciprocated on a daily basis. Every day I walk into my
classroom with an open mind, always willing to learn as much from my students as they learn from
me. It is especially gratifying as an educator to help mold the educational foundation of young
children. As an educator, I ought to foster my students love of learning. Creating positive teacher-
student relationships encourages students to become involved in the process of learning and
stimulates their desire to learn. I am also responsible for helping my students grow socially and
academically in their learning environments. I yearn for students to be self-sufficient and
facilitators of their own learning.
Teacher-Learner Relationship
My personal belief is that students should have a say in what should be learned. Learners
are active and responsible in the learning process (Graham 2009). This approach gives students a
voice in the classroom and makes them feel more comfortable in their environment. In a student-
centered learning environment, students are given responsibility for their own learning. In an
effective learning environment students should be allowed to be involved in the planning of
teaching and learning in the classroom. However, this requires a positive relationship between
student–student and student- teacher. An effective learning environment also challenges students to
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meet expectations and allows students to take ownership in their achievements and create their
own learning goals to meet expectations made for themselves.
As an educator, I want to foster learning environments that encourage critical thinking,
ingenuity, communication, positive peer relationships, and responsible citizens. My greatest
contributions and accomplishments in education are attributed to the successes I have achieved
with my students. I have great joy in watching them take ownership in their learning process and I
celebrate their achievements with them. I firmly believe that children should be involved in the
process of setting their goals because it encourages them to take ownership of their learning.
Having frequent conversations with my students about their progress in specific areas helps
motivate them to become independent learners. Watching their self-esteem and confidence soar
gives me a great sense of pride. Their accomplishments drive my enthusiasm to continue striving
to be an effective educator.
Diversity
It is important as an educator to recognize that all students are different and each has their
own special gifts. “Despite their special needs they are created in the image of God and therefore
of great value, uniquely, gifted, and purposed” (Van Brummelen, 2009). Everyone does not learn
the same way and rely on the need of strategies to enrich the learning environment. Diverse and
gifted learners should be reaffirmed daily. Educators should be agents of reconciliation and
ensure that compassion and kindness play an important role in the classroom environment and
encourage students to become products of their classroom environment.
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Parent Role and Relationship with Teacher
Parents are a child’s first great teacher and role model so its important that are involved in
their education. Parent and teacher relationships are as equally important as teacher –learner
relationships. Healthy and strong parent –teacher relationships are a great way to improve a
student’s performance levels in school. Parents and teachers usually share the same goals for their
child(ren) as educators do for their students; they both want what is best for the student. Students
will strive to do their best when parents and teachers work closely together. Learning is increased
when there is a strong support system for students both at home and at school. When parents and
teachers work as a team, they create a learning environment that nurtures emotional, and
intellectual growth for students. Lastly, positive communication between parents and
teachers helps improve academic performance.
Conclusion
Our philosophy of education shapes who we are as educators and intertwines itself into all
aspects of our lives. We then apply these philosophies in our classrooms to impact the minds of the
students. The role of an effective teacher is to create a positive environment that constantly
motivates their students to be successful. The primary role of an effective teacher should be to
facilitate student learning by helping their students set goals and allow them to be accountable for
their actions they take to achieve their goals. Jesus remains the ultimate role model and intentional
teacher. We ought to strive daily to become intentional teachers like Him. Jesus devoted his life to
teaching and left us a model and guide in His word. As I look to Jesus for guidance and reflect on
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the knowledge gained from my coursework, I will continue to challenge myself by improving my
instructional practices and further developing my philosophy of education.
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References
Graham, D. L. (2009). Teaching redemptively: Bringing grace and truth into your classroom (2nd
ed.). Colorado Springs, CO: Purposeful Design Publications. ISBN: 9781583310588.
Gutek, G. L. (1995). A history of western educational experience (2nd ed.) Long Grove, IL:
Waveland Press. ISBN: 9780881338188.
Richardson, J. (2013) Wanted: highly effective teachers. Phi Delta Kappan, 94(7), 4–4.
https://doi.org/10.1177/003172171309400701
Van Brummelen H. (2009). Walking with God in the classroom. Colorado Springs, CO: Purposeful
Design Publications
