Portrait of a Teacher in the US - Essay Example

First and foremost, the principles of democracy in education encompass values that promote freedom, equality, fraternity, justice, sharing responsibility and cooperation in education (Unit 4: Democratic Principles in Education 55-56). In response to the question, in one’s role as a citizen, student and future teacher of this society, the experiences that are seen to be reflective of promoting democratic values and communication in the classroom setting are encouraging students to vote on what to do; being given choices on classroom rules; providing opportunities to express opinions, as well as share stories and experiences; inviting students to speak up and ask questions, and even to express contentions and disagreement to arguments.

The educational environment in the U.S. perfectly encourages principles of democracy in education through voicing out what is in one’s mind whether or not, it is supportive of the educators’ points of views and perspectives. Critical and analytical thinking and expressing one’s thoughts, concepts, and ideas are frequently encouraged.Nothing conflicted with this standard as compared to a culturally diverse elementary school I went to over 20 years ago. There was no democracy in the classroom back then.

The teacher would always be the one to choose what we do and how to do it. Critical thinking was not encouraged at all. When an educational structure or any educator imposes one’s thoughts and actions to another, the principles of democracy would be deemed violated. However, one must realize that democracy in education must be practised while adhering to rules of conduct and discipline along the standards enumerated within a learning environment. As emphasized in the discourse on Democratic Principles in Education, “discipline in an educational institution is closely related to the behaviour of both teachers and pupils, their motives and their understanding of each other” (Unit 4: Democratic Principles in Education 55).

Therefore, as early as elementary education, molding the appropriate principles of democracy in education should be inculcated by teachers to establish the appropriate foundation for respect, understanding and discipline.As a future teacher, the methods by which a classroom climate would promote the standard of adhering to the principles of democracy in education are: (1) respecting that each student is unique and diverse whose needs and competencies differ and therefore should be addressed according to the development of a “balanced and harmonious human personality” (Unit 4: Democratic Principles in Education 56); (2) using instructional methods and materials that would encourage holistic and multidimensional growth; and (3) encouraging thinking outside the box by being creative and innovative in ideas that support the learning objectives in each module.

I plan to eradicate stereotyping and any teaching practice that shows discrimination or prejudice among students of diverse ethnic or cultural background. I would emulate a learning environment that promotes the values of freedom, equality, fraternity, justice, sharing responsibility and cooperation by being a role model; meaning, that I should be able to apply and practice what I teach. Children are very sensitive to actions, more than words being relayed. By being a good example to students and by manifesting these very principles through concrete and positive actions, I would clearly enforce the ideals and philosophies that these principles stand for.