MY TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
My teaching philosophy has been reshaped over time by numerous experiences as a teacher, diverse theories of knowledge and learning. There are multiple theories and philosophies that support my teaching practice, and they have played a significant role in helping me become a better teacher. These frameworks have led the way to my growth and I have shifted my objective from a more conventional, subject-based teaching approach to a more holistic, student-centered approach, where I see learning as a dynamic, interactive, and reflective process. The merging of technology, cognitive coaching methods, and social-emotional learning has enriched my teaching philosophy, enabling me to focus not just on academic success but also on the personal growth and well-being of my students.
Reflecting on my teaching journey, the constructivist theory by Piaget has really helped me create an environment for the learners to explore, question, and build their understanding. I see myself as a facilitator who provides opportunities to students to engage and participate in exploration, problem-solving, and critical thinking rather than simply giving lectures. Here I would like to share my experience when I adopted constructivist approach by replacing traditional lecture method, When I was teaching class 8, a lesson on water cycle, like instead of simply drawing the cycle on the board and asking them to learn instead, I guided them through an experiment to simulate evaporation and condensation. After That, giving them a chance to create their own models of water cycle. This hands-on method allows them to construct their own understanding of the topic, leading to deeper engagement and long retention. This constructivist approach broke away from traditional methods and empowered students to actively participate in their own learning process.
As an early childhood educator working in Canada, I see the significant importance of social-emotional learning, particularly through Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. At the start of the day in daycare, I have learned the value of “reflection circles”, where all the students can express how they are feeling. This practice encourages students to share their emotions and allows me to check in on their emotional well-being, especially in classrooms with high-stakes pressure.
Key references:
https://youtu.be/k_oYU2YKMe4?si=RNWmhYYxPFc09fCD
