Hello highly esteemed instructor and peers,

My pedagogical philosophy statements and beliefs about education is to teach the head to learn and acquire
deep and wide knowledge, inspire and motivate the heart and mind to explore possibilities for changes and
improvements from the knowledge gained and empower the hands to take action and implement
knowledge through experiences in the real world. In doing those, I give students the opportunity to take
ownership of their lives/learning.

My learning philosophy of definitely affects the way I teach my students (Weimer, 2014). I like learning
with the desire to experience that knowledge somehow, in real life. My idea of education is to see students
becoming problem solvers through knowledge gained and developed while learning in the classroom.

 The Purpose of Education-- I believe that the purpose of education is to give life a meaning by
bringing out the possible best from humans, mentally, physically, morally and spiritually, Martin-
Luther King, Jr. (1947). Education for me, must be underpinned with good moral values and
spirituality because this brings out the whole essence of humanity. Head knowledge is not enough.

 Teaching and Learning-- The differences and relationship between teaching and learning is very
fundamental to students’ development as per my pedagogical philosophy. Teaching is the process of
facilitating learning by providing guidance, instruction, and support to individuals or groups while
learning is the process of acquiring new knowledge, skills, attitudes, or behaviors through experiences,
observation, or study Wilson and Peterson (2006). For me, learning is the action or experiential part of
education. However, the effectiveness of teaching brings about the learning efficacy.

 Curriculum-- For me, the curriculum is a the foundational component that gives live and substance to
my pedagogical philosophy. Curriculum is a systematic and intended packaging of competencies (i.e.
knowledge, skills and attitudes that are underpinned by values) that learners should acquire through
organized learning experiences both in formal and non-formal settings. UNESCO, (2012). A deliberate
and well designed curriculum can help achieve the teaching philosophy.

 Teaching Methods-- I believe strongly in active learning in a constructivist form because this supports
my philosophy in terms of student engagement and opportunity to experience the teaching in real life.
Engagements in discussions, problem solving, project based learning, role play, debates and other
active learning strategies. The 1984 report from the American National Institute of Education has
carefully identified student involvement in learning as a condition of success in education Saunders &
Wong (2020). the ability of students to construct and build knowledge from previous and new
information is very effective in the teaching and learning processes.

CONNECTION OF MY PHILOSOPHY TO THEORIES

My pedagogical philosophy is hinged on 3 theories of education. They are progressivism (pragmatic and
experiential approach to learning) in the mould of John Dewey, Critical Pedagogy in the mould of Paulo
Freire and Perennialism in the mould of Christianity.

My philosophy which is student centered, gives students the opportunity to contribute to the learning
process, critically analyse materials, make improvements to the concepts and engage in experiences that
will give them the opportunity to solve real life problems Sikandar (2016). While critical pedagogy
challenges the status quo and empowers students to think critically and act for social change Chalaune,
(2021). Every change starts with the mind, this matches my philosophy of teaching the students to seek
change and improvement by empowering their minds with top notch knowledge. Finally, as a Christian, I
have an appeal for lifelong truths, especially those established in the Bible. While doing so, I will teach the
students to tolerate and respect other people’s views but remain firm with their beliefs.

REFERENCES

King, Martin Luther Jr, (1947),The Maroon Tiger, (Political and Social Views, January-February 1947): 10

Weimer, M. 2014. What’s your learning philosophy? Faculty Focus, March

26. https://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/teaching-professor-blog/whats-learning-philosophy/

Sikandar, Aliya. (2016). John Dewey and His Philosophy of Education. Journal of Education and
Educational Development. 2. 191. 10.22555/joeed.v2i2.446.

Suzanne M. Wilson and Penelope L. Peterson, (July 2006),Theories of Learning and Teaching
What Do They Mean for Educators?

Chalaune, Bhawan. (2021). PAULO FREIRE’S CRITICAL PEDAGOGY IN EDUCATIONAL

TRANSFORMATION. International Journal of Research -GRANTHAALAYAH. 9. 185-194.
10.29121/granthaalayah.v9.i4.2021.3813.