Running Head: EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY PAPER

Educational Philosophy Paper Leigh Anne Langston Liberty University

Running Header: EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY PAPER

Abstract The purpose of education is to allow people the opportunity to become better citizens through literacy. Key factors discussed in this paper are the philosophies of life and school as well as the educational practices among teachers. Diversity and its biblical perspective are also discussed. Key words: faith, intellect, learning, literacy, love, philosophy, purpose, prayer

Running Header: EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY PAPER

Introduction In Rick Warrens The Purpose Driven Life, he points out that the gift of teaching must be used to serve others and that this will ultimately bring glory to God. (2002) By serving in the schools and being a servant leader to the students, one can fulfil the opportunity to bring glory to God in this way. Teachers have beneficial formative influence by being positive role models and by fostering supportive classroom learning communities. (Van Brummelen, 2009, p. 50) Teachers spend enormous amounts of time with students in any given week and that positive attitude can determine the potential growth of the students they come in contact with on a daily basis. In the end, teachers must demonstrate a love for God and a love for others in order for the continual process of growth for themselves and then transcending that knowledge down to the students. Worldview & Philosophy of Life God has a plan for each one of us. Prosperity and hope for the future are included within this plan. Ones responsibility to God is to call to Him in prayer, trust Him and follow Him for He has determined these things for the future. (Jeremiah 29:11-13) Remembering the words of Jerry Falwell that nothing of eternal significance was ever accomplished apart from prayer brings into the open one of the reasons for teaching. The things of the temporal world will pass away but the things of eternal relevance will last forever. Prayer is something that is the glue which holds together the pieces of the puzzle of wisdom, knowledge and strength that only comes from God. If one is connected to the Vine (John 15:5) in this way then, out of obedience, one will naturally produce the fruit of the Spirit in showing love, experiencing joy, having peace, exhibiting patience, modeling kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23) Qualities like these will then flow into the classroom.

Running Header: EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY PAPER

Thomas Aquinas philosophy of scholasticism, which sought to integrate both faith and reason, is one worth being identified with. (Gutek, 1995, p. 112) Unfortunately, in todays society, Christians are not viewed at intellectuals and it thought unreasonable to have faith in the unseen God. J.P. Moreland wrote, Love Your God with All Your Mind, which challenges Christians to use their intellect to further develop a Christian mindset. (1997) Knowledge can be developed to intelligently defend the Christian faith simply by engaging in the habits of daily Bible reading, studying and prayer. Scholarly readings should also be included in that list as well. When Christians are better prepared intellectually, they are more suitably able to support one another in discussions and debates on the matters of the mind and Christianity. According to Metaphysics, one can have peace and joy in knowing that they are created by God and for God. The Epistemology is in not having a personal understanding of a situation or circumstance but trusting in God and acknowledging Him to be set in the correct direction. An Axiology, as demonstrated in the Bible, is represented by the knowledge of how good and pleasant it is when Gods people live together in unity. (Psalm 133:1) Philosophy of Schools & Learning Learning is essential to knowing the purpose of your existence. Martin Luther propagated an educational theory which proved to be refreshing. He offered boldness in the faith and stood firm on that faith no matter what the cost. When discussing the Lutheran educational theory and practice, Gutek stated that schools were necessary for defending the faith, interpreting Scriptures, preparing ministers of the church, and cultivating a literate people. (1995, p. 141) Literacy is an important aspect of learning and is important in everyday life functions. In order to hold a job, be successful in a career or even to read a menu, literacy is the

Running Header: EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY PAPER

foundation of the academic world. Van Brummelen states that the purpose of schools is for teaching academics. (2009, p. 18) This is important to properly preparing students for whatever the future may hold. Unlike other developmental theories, learning is the driver of the developmental process, and hence instruction is essential to the process of development. (Estep Jr., 2002, p. 156) Jean Jacques Rousseau defines the five stages of growth as: infancy, childhood, boyhood, adolescence, and youth. (Gutek, 1995, p. 166) The practical information this offers helps to develop age appropriate activities for the students of whom teachers will encounter. The teachers knowledge of ones developmental stage is essential in producing well balanced, yet challenging, lessons in order to generate the result of a well-rounded student who is capable of problem solving not just repeating rogue information. Being connected to others in the teaching profession is critical to staying abreast of new technologies and teaching methods. Professional organizations for this purpose, as well as groups and blogs which form via the Internet are great sources for future teacher development and opportunities for sharing. Educational Practice Technology will be a huge part of the future of teaching strategies. There is so much competition for students attention and they are used to having the visual and auditory stimulation that it is almost a necessary and functional part of the curriculum. Drawing on the different learning styles of students, several ways of teaching can be implemented. Tapping into the resources available on the Internet and at the local libraries will be beneficial in developing teaching plans for each day. By focusing on the means that brings about the lesson full circle will be essential to including all learning styles and abilities. Through direct-instruction, games, as well as, hands-on practice, students receive the material being taught in several ways therefore

Running Header: EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY PAPER

they are able to retain the information with greater success. Being proficient and well versed in the newest software and computer applications will determine the effectiveness of the students ability to learn the material being presented, as well as having confidence in and credibility of the teacher, will also be at stake. Constantly pursuing information and tracking resources will be beneficial to further teaching strategies being implemented in the classroom. Research is vital to maintaining a professional awareness of these new technologies and teaching strategies available. By sharing information and resources, teachers can support each other for greater success as professionals. Professional organizations, for this purpose, as well as groups which formed via the Internet are great sources for future development and opportunities for sharing. Teacher-Learner Relationships Communication and respect demonstrated by the teacher toward the student is essential in developing a positive relationship. As modeled first by the teacher then by the student. Trust must also develop between the two in order to continue on the right path. As the teacher, your motivation, warmth, and humor not only motivate your students but show them you want to encourage and support them. (Van Brumelen, 2009, p. 180) Teachers were made to be relational. As a teacher, you are not just responsible for the academic achievement of your children. You strive to develop young people who are socially and emotionally healthy. (Slavin, 2012, p. 61) In order to fulfill this seemingly overwhelming task, one must be in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. In seeking His wisdom, one can then be able to master the role of teacher. Diversity

Running Header: EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY PAPER

Acceptance should be the underlying factor taken into account when teaching in a diverse classroom environment. Jesus even taught in diverse group situations which was made up of sinners of all types and included women, Samaritans and Gentiles. He was bold in His teachings and reached into their inner intellectual selves in order to bring out the understanding of what He was trying to teach. The diversity in a classroom, whether cultural, religious or behavioral, weighs heavily on the flow of the instruction in the classroom. Sensitivity to these factors will work greatly to the benefit of the teachers and students alike. Luke 6:31 says to do to others as you would have them do to you. Seeing others as Jesus sees them demonstrates the way others need to be treated. He showed compassion, mercy, grace and love. These are traits which need to be carried over into the classroom on a regular basis. Conclusion The hope for the future is determined by the steps one takes towards God in the plans He has set in motion. Learning is the key to determining the process by which this plan is played out. Philosophical greats like Thomas Aquinas and Martin Luther helped to shape the future of education and setting the stage for others to take a step toward religious boldness. Being connected to God and each other provides a greater support system for sharing in the faith and teaching strategies. Use of technology can help further the development of these strategies and provide a way of communication between teacher and learner. It can also be an avenue of further professional development and sharing of ideas. A feeling of acceptance and understanding would greatly add to the ability to form a trusting relationship between the teacher and student. Thus, the atmosphere will be most conducive to the process of learning. Following in the example that Jesus sets as the Master Teacher, will increase ones knowledge in the field as well as developing a stronger relationship with the Ultimate Teacher. Christian teachers must

Running Header: EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY PAPER

band together in order to survive in todays non-Christian school systems. They will be able to survive daily attacks if they have faith as big as a mustard seed, God promises that nothing will be impossible. (Matthew 17:30)

Running Header: EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY PAPER

References Estep Jr., J. R. (2002). Spiritual Formation as Social: Toward a Vygotskyan Developmental Perspective. Religious Education, 141-164. Gutek, G. L. (1995). A history of the western educational experience (2nd ed.). Long Grove, IL: Waveland Press, Inc. Moreland, J. P. (1997). Love your God with all your mind; The role of reason in the life of the soul. Colorado Springs: NavPress. Slavin, R. E. (2012). Educational Psychology, 10th edition. Boston: Pearson. Van Brummelen, H. (2009). Walking with God in the Classroom. Colorado Springs: Purposeful Design Publications. Warren, R. (2002). The Purpose Driven Life. Grand Rapids: Zondervan.