This is my initial Statement of Philosophy of Education (Year 1 - Field Experience #1). Once I complete my second, third, and fourth field experience, I will add to and edit this initial philosophy of Education.
A philosophy of Education is always evolving with experience. As a student studying to be a future teacher, my philosophy of education is not nearly developed or polished. Although I do have a working and evolving philosophy of education that is based on what I learned this semester and what I have experience during my first field experience. I believe that every student is different; every student comes from a different background, and learns at a different pace. All students should be given an opportunity to meet their full potential, whatever it may be, with the help and guidance of his or her teachers. I believe that students should be encouraged to learn from their mistakes. Students should be encouraged and guided, but given the chance to learn for themselves. I think that students deserve to be given an environment in which they feel comfortable to learn and one in which they feel accepted and welcome.
I also believe that while teaching our specific subject matter, a teacher should also teach students about life, and help prepare them to live a flourishing life. I believe that "a central purpose of education is to promote human flourishing [and that] the school should see itself as having an obligation to facilitate the long-term flourishing of the children" (Brighouse, 2006, p.42). I agree that the school should teach about life and promote human flourishing because it will give students different opportunities and views they might not have been presented with otherwise. I believe it's important for students to get exposed to different things in order for them to become aware, accepting, and open-minded.
I have learned from my own school experience that students must feel comfortable at school in order to learn. If a teacher does not make his or her students feel welcome or accepted, or doesn't make them feel that it is normal and good to make mistakes, students' affective barriers will go up and they will not be able to learn effectively. It is for these reasons that I believe that teachers should always make their students feel comfortable, accepted, and unique.