Educational Philosophy

When we carefully think about the many teachers and professors that we have encountered in our lives, we begin to see a stark difference in everyone's educational philosophy. Every teacher has their own unique way of delivering learning and teachings to their pupils, and this affects the intensity with which these teachings are accepted, and the fondness with which these teachers are remembered. We all have that one special teacher that we will always remember, and this is solely dependent on that individuals educational philosophy.

The philosophy of education of a teacher is a statement of purpose of sorts, which outlines this persons views on the manner in which education is supposed to be delivered. It can also be termed as a vision statement of the person, and what he/she aims to instill in the students in order to develop them on all levels. Every person will have their own individualistic style of teaching their students, and it is their philosophy in education that determines how they intend to go about it. Read about the importance of education to youths.

Educational Philosophy Statements
When an individual is preparing to become a teacher, he/she is asked to pen down their personal educational philosophy statement. This document serves as a guideline for them during the course of their teaching career, and it should also be a reference for them to stick to their principles. They need to write down what education is in their opinion, and how they plan to go about spreading education in an efficient manner.

These statements of educational philosophy should serve as a guiding light for the rest of that persons teaching career, and it should specify their broad goals and purposes of being a teacher. No matter what happens, they should always stick to their philosophy. Education is not an easy gift to impart as it involves many intricacies, and the least that is expected of teachers is to have a clear vision and purpose for doing what they do. Read more on the importance of education.

Here are some of the questions that an educational philosophy should commonly answer.

• What is the purpose of education in a broader sense, as related to the community and society on a whole?
• What is, in your opinion, the role of a teacher in a classroom?
• What are your goals and ambitions for the students you are teaching?
• What methods do you think facilitate the learning process most effectively?
• Are you convinced that all students can learn something new everyday?
• Lastly, what qualities should a good teacher possess?

If one can manage to answer all these questions and pen them down convincingly, then this qualifies as a successful educational philosophy blueprint that one should stick to for the rest of their teaching career.

Educational Philosophy Examples
An individuals philosophy and education must go hand in hand with each other, and this is reflected in the statement that they create when they are applying for a teachers job. This is more than just a written page of one's beliefs, because if the institution where one is applying is run the right way, they will definitely scrutinize one's educational philosophy very carefully. Here are some small examples of some paragraphs of educational philosophy statements.

I believe that each student is unique and has a lot to offer and learn. What he/she needs is an amicable and encouraging environment, where they are not condemned for speaking their mind, but applauded. They should be uplifted right from the moment they step into the classroom through various ways that hold their interest. Making use of real life and related examples to explain a concept is the best way one can enable them to truly grasp a subject.

A teacher is a mere facilitator in the learning process, and should leave all prejudice and discrimination outside the classroom. They should embark on a journey with their students, and be open to learning new things as well. Ultimately, it should be the students who should enable the teacher to learn something new. Along with being humble and patient, a good teacher must know when to take the backseat and let the student develop a curiosity that enables him to explore the answers for himself. Also read about educational psychology.

This is the tone that an educational philosophy statement must take, and it should accurately depict what the teacher genuinely feels and aims to achieve.

Educational Philosophy Quotes
Here are some interesting quotes regarding educational philosophy that should inspire those who aspire to be great teachers.

We too often bind ourselves by authorities rather than by the truth. - Lucretia Mott

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use in order to change the world. - Nelson Mandela

To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society. - Theodore Roosevelt

Ten geographers who think the world is flat will tend to reinforce each others errors. Only a sailor can set them straight. - John Ralston Saul

Those who do nothing are never wrong. - Theodore de Bouville

My education was a prolonged and concerted attack on my individuality. - Neil Crofts

I go to school but I never learn what I want to know. - Calvin and Hobbes

There are two reasons why people learn; one because someone said you can't, and the other because someone said you can. - Howard Wilson

Come to the edge, he said
We are afraid, they said
Come to the edge, he said
They came,
He pushed them...and they flew. - Guillaume Apollinaire.

There are bound to be differences in the educational philosophy of different people, and the methods that they employ. What is important is to understand the sole aim of teaching is to uplift and free the students, not bind them. If you are a teacher, stay true to your educational philosophy, and your students will never forget you.