My teaching philosophy is informed by some of my favorite books.
I am a strong advocate of a History and Philosophy of Science approach to teaching and learning. Education is more than preparation for work. Science should be taught in a manner that considers its broader ethical, cultural, economic and political context. "To teach Boyle's Law with a reflection on what "law" means in science, without considering what constitutes evidence for a law in science, and without attention to who Boyle was, when he lived, and what he did, is to teach in a truncated way." (pg. 3) Content without context is shallow learning. This approach is a challenging one for teachers, for to be able to understand science in context, a teacher must have a correspondingly broad scope of knowledge. I believe this is one of my greatest strengths.
I really love the Harry Potter series. From Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Dumbledore is speaking to Harry about the difference between him and Voldemort.
"It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities."
It's very important for children to understand that the choices they make in life are far more important than their present abilities. Some might call this a "growth mindset".
"It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities."
It's very important for children to understand that the choices they make in life are far more important than their present abilities. Some might call this a "growth mindset".
"Because science's general principles involve a wider world of ideas, many vital aspects cannot be understood satisfactorally by looking at science in isolation. Rather, they can be mastered properly only by seeing science in context, especially in philosophical and historical context." Science, taught as a liberal art, develops habits of mind that are essential for life as a conscious, reflective individual. Science is more complex and much more interesting than traditionally portayed.
Beyond Brilliance: The Blueprint for Learning Anything
I wish I would have had this book when I was younger! This is a great collection of strategies for and philosophy about learning.
I wish I would have had this book when I was younger! This is a great collection of strategies for and philosophy about learning.