Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Edphilstatement
Edphilstatement
through
their
experiences,
learning
happens;
this
involves
students by having them show how they arrived at their answer, but it is too
soon to tell. The message I have received from the Essentialism/Perennialism
philosophy is the inhibition of critical thinking. Students are required to
respect the authority of the teacher and accept the information presented,
regardless if they agree with it or not. Respect needs to go both ways;
students given choices and respect for their differing opinions will be more
disposed to return the same respect to the teacher.
Although I consider myself a product of the Essentialism philosophy of
education, it is not the sort of educator I wish to be when I become a teacher.
My demoralizing experience during my early education, as traumatizing as it
was, has assisted me in forming my own educational philosophy. If I learned
anything from a predominantly essentialist education, it is what not to do
when I am entrusted with the incredible, albeit daunting mission to foster
learning and understanding in young, impressionable minds. I appreciate
that to be a Paradigm Pioneer, I must recognize that education is political,
and although we are still deeply planted in the essentialist reality, I can
ensure I am doing everything within my ability to bring in Progressive
elements. The social justice component is especially crucial; that every
student feels valued for who they are, and the culture they bring to the
classroom. I will make it my responsibility to connect to my students no
matter how different they are from me, because it is these diversities that
create a strong foundation for an incredible learning experience for all.