In Our Classroom

This “Philosophy of Education” was originally written as an assignment during my BEd studies. I still believe it and hope to implement it someday.

In Our Classroom

A classroom does not belong to the teacher alone, it belongs to the students as well. This is the my vision of what teaching and learning will look like in “our” classroom:

Our classroom will be an inclusive environment. Students must feel safe before they can learn.

Our classroom will be a place where diversity is not just accepted, it’s expected. We are not all the same, but we are not all that different either. Let’s learn from one another.

In our classroom, expectations of behavior will be agreed upon and modeled. Respect goes both ways.  Children are people too.

In our classroom, learning goals will be explicitly stated, and learners will know the criteria for success.

In our classroom, learning skills will be as important as academic goals. How we learn is as important as what we learn.

In our classroom, student work will be the primary decoration, building our community and celebrating our achievements.

In our classroom, learners will be given detailed feedback on an on-going basis and not just grades at the end, so they will know what they are doing well, and how they can improve.

In our classroom, discussion will be welcomed. People learn through sharing ideas and interacting with one another, and discussion fosters critical thinking. Differing opinions and questions are welcome; judgments and put downs are not.

In our classroom, we will strive to respect the balance between school and home life. Children should have time to explore other activities and interests, to play, and to be with friends and family. Though it is important to work hard while at school, the classroom is just one place where learning can take place.

In our classroom, education is not one-size-fits-all. What works for one learner may not work for another; what worked for last year’s class may not work for this year’s class.

In our classroom, the teacher is also a learner, dedicated to professional development and further training.