Teaching Philosophy

Idealism: This was invented by Plato and thought as the only reality and philosophy worth knowing. It deals mostly with reasoning the using ones mind in a logical aspect. The emphasis of learning for teachers of this model is subjects that challenge the mind such as literature, history, philosophy, etc. This is generally focused on teacher-based learning meaning it deals mostly with lectures, discussion, logical questioning and thought process, etc. These are the ways in which this philosophy deals specifically with.

Realism: The realists are the opposing belief to the idealists. Realists look for reason. Aristotle created this philosophy. These philosophers believe in the more scientific approach by using senses and the world around them to better understand information and find truth. This philosophy emphasizes the subject matter of the physical world, particularly science and mathematics. The teaching methods focus on one’s ability to master facts and skills through the process of demonstration and reiteration. It deals with the idea of critical thought scientifically through observing the world around us and experimenting the thoughts/theories one may have. This form is strict rule system set up mainly teacher-based with an emphasis on scientific subject matter.

Pragmatism: This is the philosophy tat believes reality is through experience and observation because there is a constant evolving and changing. This philosophy believes that the world is constantly moving into a different path of change and so are people. This philosophy believes that one learns best through experience and discussion of one’s experience. Those who believe in this theory are active learners producing thought then acting upon it to better understand the world around them. When implementing this philosophy into the classroom one deals with communication, hands on learning, experiments to experience the truth behind a question, collaboration, and have different projects because the mind is always changing and should be challenged in new ways. This form of learning consists of mixing different concentration areas to give students a full range of information. This system is one that is student-based and has the student’s best interests in mind.

Existentialism: These philosophers believe we are who we are and that each individual is different. This deals with the thought process that everyone should be given his/her own individual choice. They believe that we create our own lifestyle and way of learning. According to this philosophy teachers should have a focus on students and each individual student. They should focus their teaching on student feelings, individual selves, personal preferences, etc. They believe each individual is in charge with coming to his or her own conclusion on subject matter. They do not believe that students’ abilities can be measured, tracked, evaluated, or standardized. They are very student-based mainly focusing on student preference rather than curriculum.

            I personally feel as though I relate more to the concepts laid out in the philosophy of pragmatism. This is due to the fact that I always find myself wondering how I can incorporate all disciplines in my classroom to help my students get the most out of the content I am teaching. I also always want to implement multiple ways to discover one subject area due to the fact that this is a good way to help them learn all they can. I am a hands on learner who learns best through organization, discussion with others, and working with subject matter in multiple ways. I would have benefited from a class based on pragmatist belief and this is most likely why I would associate it with myself. I was never the type of person who learned through memorization or learning then reiterating. I had to be the one experimenting and exploring the possible answer in multiple ways so I would not get bored and give up. I want to someday incorporate the elements needed to help my students learn as much as they can which means I will be flexible in creating a system of methods that are uniquely different but all help them explore a new topic. I want to inspire them and get their opinion on the class. I want a system that is student-based because that is the way in which one is able to get the best results from students. I want to encourage students to do different projects that demonstrate their learning in the best possible way. My students will be able to discuss with peers different subject matters as well as work on their own to come to a conclusion. Variety is key in exploring a subject and topic to the fullest and this is what I believe pragmatists do. This is the reason why I feel as though I associate with them more so than any other philosophy.