Teaching Philosphy

I decided to become a teacher because of my own educational experiences, both good and bad. After spending time comparing the classes that were most influential to me and the classes that I struggled the most, I have been able to learn how I learn best and how I can help others to learn in a way that is compatible for them. I often had teachers that made me think, “If I were a teacher, I would never do that” or “If I were a teacher, I would model my teaching after him/her”. I discovered that I learn better with visual aids and demonstrations. It took me a long time to figure that out. Sometimes I would feel unintelligent because I didn’t always understand or remember lectures. Now I know my way of learning better. I want to help students learn how to learn. I want to teach them according to their needs, like the teachers that touched me.

As a teacher, there are three things that are most important to me: 

1. To teach them how to learn
2. My relationship with each student is important 
3. Science is cool

For a lot of people school is just a game. They can learn the system and make it through with good grades. For others, the technique of school is more of a mystery. I want students to know that school is more than a check off list of things that need to get done. I don't want my students to just remember the information long enough to take a test on it, that's not what school is for. I want them to develop a way of thinking. I want them to feel the need to know more. I want students to retain the information. I am not talking about the details of subject, but the essential concepts. They need to leave knowing more than when they came, otherwise it was a waste. It is important to me to help them learn how to learn. It takes time, but they need to figure out what works for them. I want to give them my time and attention to help them become better learners.

It is important that the students know that I care about them as people. They are not just another person in a class of thirty, or grade on a paper. I want them all to succeed, so I will urge them to do their best, but their grade does not impact the way I see them. They are individuals with personalities and experiences to share. I will spend time trying to get to know them so that we can grow together.

Lastly, science is cool and I want to show them. They can directly interact with science, which makes it personal. I am going to be a physics teacher and there is so much to show them. There are demonstrations and projects that we can do to bring science to life. Students grow to love science through engaged meaningful lessons. They can get out of their chairs and experience it. I will work very hard to make sure that my students have the opportunity to be involved in the classroom so that it becomes a meaningful experience.

Three Links to Blogs (these are ones that were posted in 2012)

• http://blogs.goaj.org/gfraher/
• http://5s2012.edublogs.org/
• http://upps.global2.vic.edu.au/