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Teaching Philosophy
Teaching Philosophy
Teaching Philosophy
Teaching Philosophy
Clarissa Gonzalez Arambula
University of Texas at El Paso
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students not only academically, but also, personally. My teaching philosophy is tended to expand
a broader link between the astonishing beauty of nature and the wonderful miracle of life. My
teaching goal is to share an enlarged view of all aspects of Biology that will permit students
appreciate life on a higher level. Thus, cherish the opportunity we have to enjoy life as fully as
students for the real world, which means not only packing students with relevant dates and
numbers, but rather, provide for them opportunities to develop their own logical thinking habits
and cognitive skills. Aligned with the constructivism views of the well-known theorist Jean
There are multiple learning theories that are a useful guidance that I will keep in mind
some, offer different approaches to conceive a positive and productive relationship with my
future students. It is essential to decide which road to take depending on the outcome desired.
For example, behaviorism targets as mentioned in the name the student’s behavior. I could use
this approach to stimuli a good habit such as punctuality. Being consistent with positive
reinforcement has the strength to shape dramatically student’s behavior. “Though this may seem
to take longer to achieve the desired behavioral results than the use of negative consequences, in
the long run, the results are much longer lasting" (Cain, 2011). I would do this by warmly
welcome my students at the classroom door at the beginning of every class. This will enhance
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quality.
As a guide for selecting teaching materials and activities, I incline for using
constructivism. This theory stands in the belief that learning is an active and constructive
construction. Also, in the process of the meaning students give to the material presented after
associating it with their own personal perspective. Along with my understanding that the cultural
background and experiences of every student may differ, it is essential for me to integrate this
factor during the lesson planning. For example, the lesson plan might slightly be modified for
physical objects and by using graphic organizers to make lessons more visual. Based on my own
experience as a student, being an English-learner myself, some teachers used to speak some key
track on the material. Those teachers integrated my cultural background when doing their
lessons, which helped me focus on understanding the material instead of just translating the
choose appropriate materials and strategies for teaching and for assessment.
mention a few techniques that will enhance students to question and reflect on their own prior
knowledge and personal experiences. For example, I could create a research project questioning
a trending topic relevant in the community. It would be an open-ended question, where they
would get the opportunity to be creative, collaborate with their classmates, reflect on their
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different perspectives and points of view, towards creating an authentic product (a short-film,
poster, poem, etc.). The project would finalize with a presentation based on their analyzed
findings and the presentation of their final product to the rest of the class. "The concept of
relevance, which is gaining prominence in the discussions on instruction, represents the attempt
to have the student connect to the content on a personal level" (Cain, 2011). When students can
relate on a personal level, not only is it easy for them to retain the material but also it is likely
Creating a safe learning community it is my first priority. I believe, it is easier for any
individual to interact and to collaborate in their environment when they feel safe. The learning
environment starts in the set-up of the classroom. I want to create a welcoming classroom that is
clean, organized and with an interactive layout. First, greeting students at the door, then, an
organized classroom full of materials where every student has the opportunity to explore
different resources and most importantly the opportunity to expand their ideas in a tangible
manner. An interactive layout includes desks in small groups, in a circle or half a circle
depending on the activity. The layout will permit movement and interaction between students,
also allowing me to expand my power zone. Thus, incrementing my ability to provide guidance
develop a student-teacher relationship build on respect, trust, and communication. But also, it is
highly important to guard the same type of relationship between my students. Building strong
relationships, will create a respectful community where students feel free to question the material
presented and to present their doubts, without any hesitation. In order to maintain this safe
environment and cover any misbehaves, as a class we will create a list of behavioral expectations
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through a thoughtful discussion at the beginning of the year. This will create extrinsic motivation
to avoid get into any trouble; but also, it will create an intrinsic motivation to accomplish
something they were part of. Students will have a hard copy if it, where I will be able to refer to
in a privately one-on-one conference with the student in matter in case of any behavioral
misconduct.
As an aspiring educator, I want to act as a guide for my future students. Not act as the
primary source, but rather implement a mutual learning relationship. Thus, communicating with
my students is critical for the classroom management and for a proper instruction. As a teacher, I
want to get to know my students and their needs in order to accommodate my lesson plan
accordingly to pursue areas of strength and interest. Learning will be personalized by a variety of
resources that will target each student' learning style; permitting students to work and to learn at
their own paces. Active assimilation will aid in the student’s interest and further curiosity in the
including prior knowledge, cues and scaffolding. This resources and activities will take place in
the classroom, as well, as outside the classroom through digital media. Formative assessment
will assist in identifying the strengths and weaknesses of a particular student, in addition to
identify those existent as a class. Through formative assessment, I will provide guidance and
constructive criticism in their work, providing them with several opportunities for improvement
and reflection. A way to do it is following three steps, first: show them how do it. Second: Allow
students explore and practice under observation. Third: Allow students to do the activity
independently, but knowing I am available for any questions and/or concerns. Consequently,
students will accomplish successfully in the summative assessment. The assessment criteria and
grading system will be transparent to all students and their parents. An effective relationship with
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the parents or guardians of my students and with my colleagues will highly increase the quality
of my teaching and the student learning. I will use student, administrative, and parental feedback
A solid appreciation for life diversifies when the knowledge and the understanding of
even the small concepts of it is expanded. I aspire to encourage the development of wholesome
individuals by building up short and long term goals. My teaching philosophy is to show them
how beautiful, complex, and stunning the natural world is for them to enjoy a richer life. In a
classroom that is assembled for every student, where they get to be creative, to explore, and to
experiment with the materials. I will be guided by different learning theories, cognitive empathy,
strategies, student responses, experience, but most importantly guided by love for my students.
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References:
Cain, S., & Laird, M. (2011). The fundamental 5: The formula for quality instruction. Place of publication