WRITING A FIRST PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION
The first time students write a philosophy of education, they may not know where to begin. Keep in mind that your current philosophy of education is a product of the system of education you have been through. As time passes and you become more adept at analyzing the educational system you are studying, your philosophy will change. To help you get started, here is a model you might follow:
- Write a brief introduction setting up your topic sentence. Remember, a good topic (thesis) sentence will incorporate what you want to say. Look at the three topics below and construct your initial sentence incorporating these thoughts.
Education involves the holistic development of learners into capable problem solvers and drivers of success in society. Education is the cornerstone of societal progress, playing the biggest role in moulding learners into capable problem solvers and drivers of success. Education should similarly foster critical thinking, creativity and resilience in addition to other skills that enlighten on the practical aspects of life. The philosophy of education therefore revolves around empowering individuals to realize their full potential and make meaningful contributions to society.
- Describe the purpose of schooling as you see it.
Schooling encompasses the holistic development of learners taken through its process into informed, empathetic and empowered members of the society. It instills and sharpens skills such as critical thinking, creativity and problem solving, which are essential tools for navigating different aspects of life. Additionally, social and emotional intelligence are cultivated into students through nurturing of qualities like empathy, resilience and cooperation which are fundamental in the development of a cohesive society. These virtues also help in nurturing meaning relationships between students. The institutional set up within which schooling occurs sets a platform for equity, justice and opportunity for students from different walks of life. Therefore, schooling moulds learners and sets them in a path to achieve their full potential making it a cornerstone of societal progress.
- What do you believe is important to teach?
It is important to teach a comprehensive curriculum that exceeds traditional academic subjects and encompasses a wide range of skills and knowledge. Besides the basic book knowledge, the curriculum could cover areas in critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, creativity and innovation as well as promotion of digital literacy and technological fluency. Additionally, the incorporation of practical life skills such as financial literacy, communication skills, and time management could be very informative to students with regards to the complexities of a modern society. A well-rounded curriculum that addresses the academic and practical aspects of learning, will empower students, making them adaptable to change and capable individuals who can spearhead meaningful contributions to society.
- How do you believe teachers should instruct students?
Teachers should adopt a student centered approach in their profession. Employing a strategy that upholds active learning, collaboration and personalized instruction creates a supportive learning environment for students. Therefore it becomes easier to cater for the individual challenges of students, offering personalized guidance to tackle the different problems they face at an individual level. Similarly, the approach offers personalized learning experiences catering to the individual needs and interests of each student. Teachers should be guides in the development journey of students, empowering them to take up responsibility and achieve their academic goals and social skills. Through inspiration, students develop a sense of independence which cultivates a spirit of exploration and discovery which a stepping stone towards the achievement of their full potential.