Philosophy Of Education And Methods Of Teaching - Essay Example

Philosophy Of Education And Methods Of Teaching Abstract: Philosophy of education, for me, is to go for education as a way of life. My mission of life has become education and teaching. Teaching is not away from learning. When a teacher stops learning, it is time for the concerned to become obsolete. I would always like to be vibrant and always on the look out for learning. There is a general saying in the world of traditional and classical music. It says that a good teacher is one who seldom teaches his pupils. I also prefer to learn along with my pupils. Learning then turns out to be a pleasure some exercise transforming everyone involved in it in the desired direction of standing upright with national pride and sense of mutual togetherness. Education is a serious matter. It must be taken as such. Lot of planning and skilled dealing with pupils is necessary. As a teacher, I have to tread slowly, steadily and carefully for I have to be dealing with sensitive and impressionable precious human pupils. Introduction: Philosophy brings forth rightful action. Philosophy of education sets a trend for the teacher and students together. It provides the real cohesive force and necessary academic bonding among the students and the teacher. It leads to evolving of a conducive environ from within and without. ‘Catch them white and dye them hard’ has been the aim of education in earlier years since time immemorial. This trend is changing today. Education has become highly pupil centered in the present day democratic age. Education and teaching is not just lecturing by the teacher. Creativity has to be there. Education is no more where ‘rule rules the roost’. Caning of students is no more advisable. A teacher has to teach along while remaining as a friend to students. My Philosophy and Why it is so: Philosophy is wisdom, knowledge, virtue and truth. It is paradigmatic from within. It is always there. Philosophy has an element of timelessness in it. It is dynamic though it does not change. There is a generally accepted notion that ‘change is the law of nature’. True it is. Yet, this law by itself does not change. That’s how philosophy does not change. Despite this, it is not static but vibrant. Philosophy, as such, represents a way of life. Philosophy may differ from person to person because every individual interprets and understands philosophy of life in one’s own way. Indeed, the reality of philosophy is difficult to grasp fully. As many ways of realizing the ultimate truth are, therefore, amongst us as there are individuals in this world. The ultimate goal is, however, one only. This is the goal of knowing one’s own self. This goal is pursued knowingly and, at times, unknowingly. The later is the case when we do not know where and in which direction we are going while living on this spaceship Earth. This directionlessness is dangerous. Why I would like to be an Educator: I have chosen my way of life as education. This is a life long process of learning, service to community and continuous achievements for an individual, especially a teacher. I am sure I will never be bored in this profession. It unfolds ever new challenges and opportunities to put my creativity to test almost every minute of my existence. Above all, it will always keep me in the company of younger and naturally energized children, adolescents and youth. I will always feel young and full of energy amongst them. A teacher has a distinctive role in education. I am sure, a teacher, possesses such treasures that can never be taken away from one’s person – the treasures of knowledge and virtues. These treasures are such that they always keep on growing. A teacher is the one who is primarily a ‘Giver’—giving to pupils and seldom even expecting anything in return. What a teacher like me wants from pupils is merely an iota of respect and sincerity to their work and lessons. How my Philosophy will Influence me: Philosophy is the essence of life. Life is a learning process. My unquenchable thrust for seeking knowledge makes me grope for light even in darkness. This attitude makes me polite, humble and modest. Therefore, I believe that the best teaching is through setting examples and not via hammering of syllabi in pupils’ mind. Remaining a learner throughout is the most important part of a teacher’s life. Otherwise, the teacher soon becomes obsolete in the fast moving world of technology today. Constant refurbishing of one’s knowledge is necessary. My philosophy of education will also help me in the proper use of the following essential aspects and tools in teaching: 1. Class Room Structure – This involves not only the physical, archeological and demographic size of a class, but also different contexts of aesthetics, look of the class room and overall environment created in the class. For streamlining all these perspectives, an in depth involvement with one’s own profession of teaching is necessary. This is possible when a teacher like has near complete commitment to the job of teaching. My philosophy of education clearly shows the level of my commitment. 2. Basic Tools of Teaching – Class room structure and environment can be developed with the help of a) rightful and balanced use of skilled and planned seating arrangement, b) dynamic and regular use of bulletin boards, c) providing supplemental materials that may invoke voluntary interest in teaching subjects, d) special projects creating some enthusiasm for studies, e) day-to-day operations of keeping the class and school surroundings clean and colorful and lively, f) motivating students for hard work in such a that they never loose interest in studies, g) creating an inherent urge for discipline by impressing upon the student community the magical prowess of a disciplined life style, h) adopting not just one particular method of teaching but going for diversified stimulus variation techniques and skills of teaching that may vary from time to time and student to student according to the requirement and potential of every student in a class (Moore 2005), i) special responsibilities will be voluntarily bestowed upon students in the class to create and enhance their inherent leadership qualities. Conclusion: However, as regards seating arrangement in the class, I prefer the semi-circular style for it cerates better eye contact between pupils and teachers. Understanding with students is an absolute must. Proper contact and understanding with students can bring about a successful teacher. Otherwise, howsoever, qualified a teacher maybe, it is nearly impossible to be a successful educator. That is why I always like direct contact with my students. It does not mean giving them unbridled pursuit of freedom. I will never compromise on the question of discipline, quality and excellence. Despite this I am not in favor of military style regimentation in the area of education. The best way is to go for transformation of the individual through a moderate but a steady way to one’s education. Education is a field of voluntary action. Planning, discipline and various skills of leadership are to be imbibed in the pupil very carefully. Regimented imposition must be avoided as far as possible. Undue strictness leads to uncalled for brewing of unnecessary feelings of revolt against the teacher and the school. Indeed, this is quite true that ‘All work and no play make Jack a dull boy, and all play and no work also makes Jack a dull boy’. Reference List Moore, S (2005). Interpreting Audiences: From Theory to Practice. Thousand Oaks, Sage Publications, 396. Read More