Statement Of Teaching Philosophy As A History Teacher

In this statement will discuss what were my beliefs and how they contributed in my teaching philosophy; before starting my education degree; and will also add how my views got changed and challenged to create a unique philosophy; that represents me as an incoming teacher.

I had different views and perspective on how to become a teacher and how one teaches. My thoughts were influenced by my teachers, community, and family. Teaching is more than a job or career, it is a service to the country. Seeing the way my teachers taught me, with dedication, enthusiasm, and love. I thought that I am the perfect candidate to study teaching because I possess all those qualities.

I thought that teaching was standing in front of the learners and deliver content to them. I thought that teaching was not being challenged about content nor world views. I thought that teachers knew everything about the subject matter and life; thus, questioning her or doubting her was never in my mind. I believed that teachers were chosen because they were naturally smart and vastly learned; other abilities such as their capability of teaching, the capability of speaking (tone, projection), and inclusivity. Was never in my mind for me to consider because of lack of knowledge on how to become a teacher.

I now believe that teaching should be centered around co-learning; where they are mutual respect between the teacher and the learners; I believe that teacher and learner are participants in forming and shaping knowledge. This belief is influenced by the community I come from; were my elders respect my opinions, and are willing to engage with me when topics arise. Thus, learning and exchanging knowledge is done efficiently without alienating one's opinions.

My ideal classroom environment. It is where they is an open space, learners could engage in group work, peer work, or act out a historical scene. An ideal classroom is where learning takes place. New information is adapted, and misconceptions are corrected. This classroom space can make me a better teacher because I won't be reliant on technology but my primary resources and point of reference will be the learners; it will be a space of engagement, dialogue, interaction, and friendly environment.

Through this classroom context; I will address students’ needs by being inclusive and by implementing different teaching strategies. assessment will be informative to help learners improve and better their learning; it will be done through peer and group assessment. This gives learners the responsibility on their work, learning and helping a peer to reach their learning goals; thus, independent and cooperative learners.

My teaching philosophy ideals will be put in practice through classroom arrangement into groups, having a conducive learning space; by creating posters (through an assignment of gallery walk), so visual learners and kinetic learners are considered in the learning process; will also encourage learners to participate in the learning process.

My goals and objectives for my learners are to equip them to become democratic citizens, to participate as citizens of the country irrespective of their socio-economic background, race, gender, physical ability or intellectual ability. This goal is also aligned with the CAP's document.

This goal can be achieved through using history as a tool because in history you learn tolerance, debate, identity, and one's character is formed. My second goal is to teach learners who will be socially constructive, in which they will focus on real problems with a view to doing something about them; and contextualizing content can assist learners to see that historical events are sometimes repetitive and how they were solved can sometimes solve our current problem.

My other goal is that learners should understand the relevance of history in their lives. I will emphasize relevance by discussing current events that were shaped by history, by asking students to share their knowledge of the subject, and by discussing how I have found the knowledge useful. For example, I will share my grandparents lives of them moving from one place to another in search of a stand; this scenario is important because displacement was one of the problems that was due to the Land Act of 1913. As an incoming teacher, I want learners to have input into the subject matter so that the issues we address are relevant to them. Independent research projects are one means to accomplish this goal because they allow students to choose the subject matter in which they are most interested in.

My other goal is that learners should know where to find information, how to evaluate that information, and how to make an informed decision based on their understanding of the issues; by this, it creates critical citizens who can engage in current and world affairs. Thus, becoming global citizens.