The Reflection Of Philosophy: The Philosophy Of Education

Educational philosophies can be viewed along a continuum. Philosophical positions fall along this continuum depending on how one views the importance of the individual and society and the involvement of the learner in the education process.

Amongst the many topics debated in education circles, it is easy to forget the choice of what we teach and why is of paramount importance. Critical reflection on the relevance of educational philosophers, both past and present, is essential to understanding curriculum choices. With regard to these statements, I wish to apply to this program as a result of a strong professional and personal interest in philosophers of education. More specifically, gaining a deeper understanding of behavioral and functional psychology in education can enhance my current work in many ways. The theories of philosopher’s such as William James have direct implications in my work. For example, by considering the role of acquisition and association of ideas in teaching and learning, I would be broadening my overall knowledge. Additionally, understanding the impact of interest, attention and memory on learning are key components that would enhance my teaching abilities and benefit my students.

Aristotle once said, “The one exclusive sign of thorough knowledge is the power of teaching.” Teaching enables students to gain the intelligence needed to excel in life. I believe that a teacher’s philosophy of education is a crucial role in his or her approach to leading students on their educated path. A philosophy of education is the set of beliefs that every school and every teacher stand behind. The certain philosophy that one chooses provides the answers to many vital questions, such as the purpose of schooling, a teacher’s role, and what should be taught in the classroom.

In order for a society to function, individuals must be productive members of that society. This is accomplished through education. The philosophy of education is determined by society. As society changes so does the concept of education.

Thus, Philosophy of education has been one of the most searched upon topic in the entire academic history, the purpose and goal of which is primarily to study its process and discipline in order to understand how it works, improve its methods and perfects applications into our human society. Therefore, the main objective of philosophy of education is above all else for the betterment of humanity in all its complexities.

In this philosophy statement you will not be reading the statement of a great philosophical mind, but of an education student who loves to work with kids and who tries to have the students' best interest in mind. comparing and contrasting my views with the views of many of the philosophical giants throughout history I will discuss five topics: 1.) the nature of students, 2.) the nature of knowledge, 3.) the purpose of public education, 4.) the method of education, 5.) and the curriculum that should be used in public schools.

A person’s philosophy is defined as, “A theory or attitude held by a person that acts as a guiding principle for behavior.” If a person’s philosophy shapes his or her actions, then it is vital for any professional to have a good philosophy in their profession, so their actions follow suit. Therefore, it is important for an educator to have a solid philosophy of education so that his or her teaching is effective and right before God. Six important components of an educational philosophy are metaphysics, epistemology, axiology, the nature of the learner, the school, and the teacher. However, the foundation that holds up all six of these philosophical components in a strong christian educational philosophy is God.

The learning experience should be that of a collective nature where students are able to indiscriminately relate to the information, re-teach the information and have a balanced incorporation of all the learning centers in society; including the home and the church. The goal of this incorporation is to create a balanced learning environment that facilitates holistic development in the young mind. As professionals entrusted with the shaping of young minds, teachers must facilitate learning and personal, spiritual, ethical and academic development. My philosophy for education is a multi-part philosophy that encapsulates the idea of holistic and inclusive learning. The philosophy caters for the overall shaping and development of the young mind and includes aspects of balanced training, incorporated teachings and it generally focuses on training students to become teachers.

In the field of education there could arise many philosophical ideas of each individual teacher. Many of the past philosophies have been and still are used in today’s education programs, such as the Socratic method. My philosophy will also contain some of the many philosophies of the past and possibly the future. I will state the nature of students, the nature of knowledge, the purpose of public education, method, and curriculum according to my own philosophies, which also may be based the philosophical ideas of previous individuals.

Education is inevitable. It is all around us because we can learn from virtually anything. When you are cooking, dancing, talking or any other activity you have actually had to learn several things to be able to do them. In the educational perspective, I am a pragmatist and I tend to follow after Dewey's footsteps. The concept of Pragmatism is one that developed in the 20th century. My philosophy is based on the idea that learning should involve real-life situations. Learning becomes more concrete to a student when they apply it to real-life situations, as where learning things that do not connect to them has more of an abstract sense. Personally, I would have to agree with Dewey when he said, "I

Technically education consists of well-defined segments preliminary starting from formal/ professional education and in an ideal world it never ends. As Sydney J. Harris American journalist Quotes “The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows”. Education brings about the change in physical, mental and social development of an individual develops insight and beliefs about the purpose of education, conveys strength to one's sentiments, and widens the perceptions and leading to a healthier attitude of viewing at realism. In the words of Bill Beattie, one of the famous authors and writers “The aim of education should be to teach us rather how to think, than what to think - rather to improve our minds, so as to enable us to think for ourselves, than to load the memory with thoughts of other men.” Education is answerable for the enhancement of a cultured civilization and makes individuals of society self-sufficient. One of the views about education is that education supports at creating good teachers. Today is the world where we are passing through a great changeover. The old ways of teaching learning process is found to be obsolete. A superior prospect of psychological belief is being truly required. In the above statement prospective it is important to have ethical standards setup for education in order to channelize the best possible knowledge to the students,

According to this theory, critical awareness requires recognition that the social status of an individual, including educational and economic prospects and opportunities, is largely result from its race, gender, and class so the critical theorists want to raise the consciousness of these people dealing with education, knowledge, the school, and teaching and learning. Furthermore, they see the curriculum into 2 parts: the official curriculum which requires teaching subjects and specific skills, and the Hidden curriculum which imposes approved behaviors and attitudes on students through the school environment. They believe that teachers should empower themselves, because they can transform schools into democratic public spheres.

I personally believe that education is one of the most important things to achieve in life. No matter what it can never be taken away from you. From my observations and experiences in the classroom each child is unique in his or her own way. Students inside a classroom needs a teacher who will make them feel secure, comfortable and in a stimulating atmosphere. These aspects help to attain growth, mature emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially. It is my desire as an educator to meet the needs of my students in any way possible, so that they are able to meet their fullest potential in life. Children are the future, so as a teacher I need to take all the necessary steps to get them to their fullest potential. I believe that the teacher should act as a guide, allowing the child's natural curiosity to direct his or her learning, and promoting respect for all people are conductive to establishing productive students of tomorrow.

When understanding education there are many different ways which the purpose of education may be applied and defined. My personal philosophy of education is, 'educators must nurture/guide students within the academic field, to that the aims, goals and results during this task of educating or being educated are achieved '. This philosophy is used to understand that both teachers and students play an integral role in education. Academic performance, classroom methods/practices and also meeting the requirements of both the senior secondary Australian Curriculum Framework and the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers Framework are examples of these roles. This essay will discuss in detail how my personal philosophy of education, reflects on the role of teachers and learners, the aim of education and the methods and practices used in the classroom. Jean Jacques Rousseau, Paulo Freire, Locke, and Plato/Socrates are the four theorists that shall be used within this essay, to support claims and justify statements regarding this philosophy. John Dewey and A.S Neil are two non-supporting theorists that shall be used in contrast to justify this philosophy.

As a future teacher in today’s society and generation, I believe the educational system must accommodate the individual and the diverse needs of each child. Many factors should be thought about when forming a philosophy on education. Factors as far as the increase of single parent families and dual careers, the family structure is changing and this may play a significant part in our students. Furthermore, the issues such as teen pregnancy and drugs and much more, children are facing more complicated issues than they ever had before. A sound philosophy on education must be developed within the framework of social value systems. Our children are our future resources. All children can be guided to become well adjusted, functional and intelligent adults for their own benefit and the benefit for others in society. An educator should motivate and stimulate each child to perform to the best of their ability. Regardless of the various experiences, abilities and needs of the child. Therefore, all children must be well educated and given the opportunity