Rylee

Slesk
My Philosophy of Education

As I reflect on my philosophy of education prior to beginning the Elementary

Education Program, there are some aspects I continue to agree with, and some that
have altered. The foundation of my first philosophy of education was the
importance of teaching students the basic skills in reading, writing, mathematics,
and science that they will need to succeed in their life. As I have been taught in my
Elementary Education classes and in different elementary classrooms, I continue to
agree with this belief. Although, I would make a few additions, I would add social
studies to the list of subject matter. As I have been taught, I have learned the
importance of social studies and helping students become true citizens. Also, I have
realized the importance of teaching students essential skills to be successful socially,
emotionally, and mentally. Education should incorporate teaching students all skills
needed to succeed. Overall, I do concur with my first philosophy of education,
students need to be taught essential skills that they will continue to build upon.

In my first philosophy of education, I introduced the importance of learning

about students learning styles, and using that to guide instruction. Throughout my
courses, I have learned how to differentiate to meet each students needs. I have
realized how beneficial it is to find each students learning style, and to use that to
help them reach the content objective, and overall instruction. It takes time and
effort to differentiate for students, but it is well worth it.

Lastly, in my first philosophy of education, I briefly discussed the importance

of assessing students knowledge. Throughout my classes, I have learned how to

perform many different types of assessment. Prior to these classes, I understood the
importance of assessment, but now I have obtained a greater appreciation of using
assessment to guide instruction. It is important to not only use assessment as a type
of summative assessment, but as well as a formative and pre-assessment. Overall,
assessment is crucial, and guides instruction to help each student obtain the
essential skills needed to succeed.

In conclusion, William Butler Yeats said, Education is not the filling of a pail,

but the lighting of a fire. I want to be a teacher that challenges, as well as guides,
my students to reaching and obtaining the essential skills needed to succeed. I will
do this by differentiating, and helping each student find and use their learning style.
Also, assessment will be used to help assess my students knowledge, and be utilized
to guide instruction. Overall, education should focus on teaching students the
essential skills needed to succeed by differentiating and using assessment.