I was recently asked to write about my philosophy of teaching and this is what came out.
-Philosophy of Teaching- When I think about my views on teaching, I keep coming back to the students. I believe that teaching should be student-centered, but what does that actually look like in a classroom? My classroom transformed into a flexible seating classroom this school year, which means students have choice on where the sit to work. Their choices range from yoga balls, wobble stools, a standing table, and much more. (See images here: http://goo.gl/aEp2D2 ) I also believe that being student-centered allows students more choice over their own learning so I began doing Genius Hour. Students self-select topics they are interested in learning, research them, develop presentations, and then teach the class about their topics. Another way I enabled students to have more choice was to start using digital portfolios with them. Sometimes I ask them to blog about specific topics, but how they choose to do that is up to them. Other times, students self-select topics or work samples to blog about. (Example: http://andreslearning.blogspot.com/ ) I believe that by making my classroom more student centered, I am able to more frequently highlight the strengths of my students and as a direct result of that, students are excited about school and their self-esteem goes up. I believe that teachers need to consider the students holistically in their classrooms. I do this in my own class by doing direct instruction weekly on growth mindset in order to address social-emotional needs of my students. I also have ceased assigning homework out of respect for my students and their families. I do not own the time my students have with their families, and value the concept that parents should get to determine what happens in their own home. I see the rewards of teaching on a daily basis. Frequently students enter my program after being “kicked out” of their previous school or feeling like they have failed. One of the greatest rewards I receive is when student’s perception of school is shifted from “I can’t” to “I love this school!” I am equally as excited as my students when they realize that their words are powerful and they don’t need to hit or tantrum to communicate they don’t like something. My students are the reason I teach and do what I do. I believe that my own views about teaching are demonstrated in the value I place on student connection. If a student doesn’t feel a connection with you, then nothing I have discussed will have impact or meaning for them. How will you connect this week? Connection is the glue that allows everything else to come together for a student. How will you connect this week?
3 Comments
Elissa
6/1/2016 08:50:34 pm
"I do not own the time my students have with their families, and value the concept that parents should get to determine what happens in their own home." - Can EVERY teacher be like this? If only we could spend the little time we have together each evening connecting rather than battling over homework!
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Jamie Reese
6/8/2016 05:42:57 pm
Well, there is definitely a shift in that direction happening! So hopefully people will read and apply the research that is out there, especially in elementary grades! Thanks for reading! :)
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Jenny Goldman
6/10/2016 10:13:28 pm
Nice post! Student-centered in a nutshell but in a very achievable manner. I love the comment about students moving from "I can't" to "I love school" - that makes it all worth while
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Ventura County Teacher of the Year 2016.
On a journey: Special Ed Teacher, Mentor, EdTech Advocate, Book Nerd, Knitter, Risk Taker, LA Kings Fan, #Whole30 lover, #SVTChat, GCE Level 1, Daring Greatly Categories
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