My Teaching Philosophy

In preparation for an online teaching position with SNHU, I was asked to write my teaching philosophy. I feel as though if I am asking my students to post to their blogs, I should start writing in mine a bit more. So here it is....

Currently I teach middle school computer studies to 6th - 8th grade students. I also teach face to face as an adjunct faculty member for Southern New Hampshire University in the education department. I am also an online graduate adjunct faculty member at Plymouth State University, where I teach a graduate course in the computer education department. The focus of the course is the pedagogy of technology integration and incorporating Web2.0 tools into the classroom. 

"He who dares to teach must never cease to learn" - John Cotton Dana 

This quote is one of my favorite teaching quotes of all time. I believe as teachers, we are here to model the love of learning for our students. It is our job to show them that even though we may be the expert, we never will and never could know everything. We are human and I feel it is important to allow your students to know that truth about you. I also allow them to know that I make mistakes and that they are also allowed to make mistakes and admit them freely. Together we learn the most. 

I hope to foster the love of learning within my students and to teach them how to become "self directed learners". They need to know how to uncover the answers to their questions on their own without me providing their answers. It is so important that students of today, whether they are in middle school or graduate students, become technologically literate. According to the ISTE-NETS standards for students, "Today's students need to be able to use technology to analyze, learn, and explore. Digital age skills are vital for preparing students to work, live, and contribute to the social and civic fabric of their communities." I believe through the use of technology, all students have the ability to learn. Technology breaks down the barriers and allows every type of learner a leveled approach to curricular achievement. Students of today need to be able to ask questions, find the answers and evaluate the validity of the resources they use. As the teacher of these skills, it is my responsibility to foster inquisitive learning opportunities. 

One of my favorite professional development educational websites I use frequently, sums up technology integration perfectly. 

"Effective tech integration must happen across the curriculum in ways that research shows deepen and enhance the learning process. In particular, it must support four key components of learning: active engagement, participation in groups, frequent interaction and feedback, and connection to real-world experts. Effective technology integration is achieved when the use of technology is routine and transparent and when technology supports curricular goals." 

Learning today in the world of technology has brought us to another level of teaching capabilities. Incorporating technology into the classroom is of utmost importance in education. The incorporation of sound pedagogy is also of utmost importance. By stating clear learning objectives and following through with clear expectations allows the students to freely focus on the formative and summative assessments throughout the classes. Reflective practice is also important for both the teacher and the student. As the teacher, reflection allows me to figure out how the lessons went, how I could have made it better and what I might need to adjust for next go around. Reflective practice for students allows them to think about the task and make real life connections to the assignment. It allows the student to see that there is always something different that could have been done and possibly improved upon. It is also important for them to know that it is impossible to be perfect and we are in a constant state of change. 

I hope to foster a community within my classes, whether it is online or face to face. I believe in creating a safe learning environment where my students are free to explore and work together to achieve their learning objectives. The learning environment is based upon trust, respect and fun. All students will be allowed to play with different programs in order to best learn how to use them. They will then apply what they have learned to create the products required to meet the learning objectives for the assessment. Relevant and real time, immediate feedback is so important for the students to let them know they are on pace with the course expectations. It allows them to feel comfortable within the course and to move forward with confidence. 

It is important to teach the students how to learn and think on their own without reliance on me. I encourage creativity and student choice. It is important to engage the learner and what better way to do that, than through something that appeals to the student. Choice with familiar topics for students enables them to activate prior knowledge and become an active participant with their learning. As the teacher, I am the most knowledgeable about my subject I teach, but I am also constantly learning. I learn new things every day and hope to foster that love of learning within my students. By providing as many hands on learning experiences for my students to learn or "figure things out", may seem uncomfortable for them at first, but in the end, they learn much more by doing than I could ever teach by demonstrating. It may create opportunities for failure, but through failure is when we learn our most important lessons. In the end, the struggle is worth it when they have a finished product that they then share with the class. It is most rewarding to hear the students say how difficult something was but how well it turned out in the end. It is my job to push them through the uncomfortable towards the excitement of accomplishment. 

Above all, having a sense of humor while teaching. Life is too short to take yourself so seriously. Learning should be fun and at times can be funny. Keeping it light allows a free flow of learning to take place and lets my students know that they are safe to be themselves. 

For SNHU the mission is delivering a quality online learning experience. For Kim Tufts ~ M.Ed., my mission is to deliver a quality learning experience for all students and to never cease to learn. 

Works Cited: 

"AlbertMohler.com." AlbertMohler.com. Web. 26 Feb. 2012. . 

"ISTE | NETS for Students." ISTE | NETS for Students. Web. 26 Feb. 2012. . 

"Quote - Who Dares to Teach Must Never Cease to Learn... on Quotations Book."Welcome to Quotations Book. Web. 26 Feb. 2012. . 

"Why Integrate Technology into the Curriculum?: The Reasons Are ManyThere's a Place for Tech in Every Classroom." Why Integrate Technology into the Curriculum?: The Reasons Are Many. Web. 26 Feb. 2012. .