David Orlansky Arcadia University Masters Thesis My Educational Philosophy As I found out during my first year of teaching, education

isnt comprised of one-size-fits-all strategies. Through trial and error, experimentation and modifications, effective teaching is about finding that balance with each individual class: the balance between a structured routine and spontaneous learning, the balance between direct instruction and student-centered activities, and the balance between strict classroom management and a warm classroom environment. I believe that in order to achieve this balance, one must adopt a clear and consistent educational philosophy. My philosophy is based around three basic pillars getting to know the students, differentiating instruction and maintaining high expectations. Getting to Know the Students: Understanding students learning style preferences, interests, and strengths/weaknesses I consider my students learning modality preferences the most significant tool in helping me cater my lessons to the needs of each student. Every student is partial to a different learning style, whether it be linguistic, spatial, kinesthetic, interpersonal, or musical. When you become familiar with each students specific learning style and pacing, you can better differentiate your lessons to suit their individual needs. For example, when I have a classroom with a few linguistic learners and a few visual learners, I present information in both guided notes form as well as audio presentation form. Likewise, some students may prefer to perform a skit while others may prefer to write a poem. By providing options within classroom assignments or projects, I open the door for more students to thrive in an academic setting.

David Orlansky Arcadia University Masters Thesis

It is also important to be aware of each students academic history, as well as his or her strengths and weaknesses in the classroom. One student may be great at solving equations but struggle with graphing, while another students situation could be vice versa. The more you know about your students individual skill sets, the easier it becomes to tier and scaffold assignments, as well as form heterogeneous or homogenous groups. In addition to academic performance, I think that getting to know each students interests, passions and talents is crucial to enhancing their learning experience. When I found out a struggling student in my Algebra 1 class was a phenomenal artist, I catered my next activity around hands-on drawing. When I learned that I had a lot of avid Phillies fans in my class, I wrote in-class word problems about Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins. This helps to peak student interest and capture their attention.

Differentiating Instruction: Planning lessons that cater to each individual student As a learning support teaching, I have had students who are as much as 6 grade levels apart in one classroom. When this type of disparity exists, it is my challenge as the teacher to customize a lesson that is appropriate for each individual student. I try hard to incorporate at least one differentiation strategy in my lesson each day, whether its running a jigsaw, a carousel, a think-pair-share, or a peer check. I will often times create slightly different versions of the same activity or

David Orlansky Arcadia University Masters Thesis worksheet so that the students can choose the version catered to their skill level. In order to implement this type of differentiation, I work hard to create studentcentered classroom in which there are well

established routines. My students each have a specific role that they are in charge of each week, and this helps put the accountability back on the students. I also try to maximize the relevance of my lessons by incorporating a lot of real world application problems. This strategy is a helpful counter to one of the most frequently asked student questions when will we ever use this? With an emphasis on sports, movies and music, I try to keep students engaged by relating the classroom content to topics they know and love. I write a lot of original word problems involving the students and their interests. This helps keep the students attentive, focused and engaged.

Maintain High Expectations: Set a high bar and push the students to reach their true potential Teaching centers on patience and perseverance. Challenges are sure to arise, and speed bumps will likely occur, but effective teachers know how to respond, adjust and forge ahead. Despite the ups and downs, the triumphs and frustrations, an outstanding educator knows how to maintain high expectations for his or her students. The only way to raise student achievement is to believe that they can accomplish the goals you set out for them at the beginning of the year. If you expect everyone to complete their homework every night, take organized notes and study

David Orlansky Arcadia University Masters Thesis before an assessment, and if you are consistent in your practices, the students will gradually begin to approach the high bar that you initially set for them. I have seen so many kids with such raw talent, creativity, musical ability or writing ability, and yet most of them lack the opportunities, knowledge

or drive to reach their true potential. By setting the bar high, I hope to clear a path for my students so that their big goals are in sight, and I allow them to sit in the drivers seat as they make strides to attaining those goals.