Lauren Poulson

Professor Miller
Orientation to Education
October 16 2015
My Teaching Philosophy
There are a variety of different philosophies on education and what is most important
when it comes to student learning. These philosophies include beliefs on what motivates students
to learn, how they learn and ultimately, the purpose of engaging in learning and gaining an
education. Each teacher and student come to form their own philosophies on education as they
acquire more experiences in the classroom. These philosophies and beliefs influence the way that
teachers deliver and present information to students. Through these philosophies, teachers find
their own specific and unique approach to teaching. Students form opinions on what is important
in learning also, and they obtain their own attitudes toward educational pursuits and how they are
governed. If the students do not understand certain aspects of the educational system, they
question the effectiveness and they can lose motivation. This is why it is important that as
teachers, we know what we believe when it comes to education, and we can give a good
explanation why we teach the way we do.
After doing research on the many different philosophies of education, and some reflection
on my own personal beliefs, I have come to find that my beliefs fall in line with that of
Perennialism and Humanism. The term Perennial means long-lasting and perpetual (Kauchak
and Eggen, 154). This describes the core of its beliefs. Perennialism holds the most value on
timeless principles. These principles include ethical questions and human nature in all of its
fallacies and victories (Kauchak and Eggen, 154). I believe that the knowledge of these enduring

topics are important for students to explore and to come to know. I think its important that
students read classical literature and learn from historical events and that they can make
connections with the themes presented from these. I also think that its beneficial for students to
be well- rounded and to learn math and science. Mathematics and science are a challenge for
students to problem solve and to develop logical thinking. The curriculum these students are
engaged in should be challenging but it should stay essentially the same for all students based on
their stages of development. I believe that there are certain skills that will always be needed in
this world and that students should obtain these skills for their own benefit. These skills include
writing, reading, mathematics, science, creativity, and ethics. Students should be able to learn
these skills and use them in their future employments.
Having these beliefs as a teacher, I would put my focus on themes of literature and then
have students analyze these and their meanings to them in the world today. I have thought back
to experiences in my education that I really enjoyed, and many of those times we were diving
into literature and finding real meaning from them. One classic I thought of is the Tale of Two
Cities. Having students read this book and then critically thinking about its themes would
exemplify my perennialist beliefs. Then, I have also come to think that I would rather be working
with younger kids in elementary school, and how could these beliefs be put to use in that setting?
I think with younger students, you certainly couldnt get into deep discussion about the issues of
justice, injustice, loyalty and suffering; but there are still themes you can pull from childrens
books that will be at their level of understanding and will also be applicable. These might be
more simple forms of ethical questions and just working to broaden their understanding of what
constitutes of human nature.

As I did more research, I have also come to find that I would consider my beliefs to be in
accordance with Humanistic philosophy. I believe that humans intelligence is above that of
animals and that our needs and interests are important in the learning process. I also believe that
people have the ability to make their own decisions based on their own judgement and opinion.
This means that individuals have the power to make ethical decisions and that these decisions are
a result of their intentions and personal values (Huitt, W.). This is a contrast to the thinking of
Behaviorists, who believe that people make decisions are contingent on the consequences of the
choice. This is shown in the common example of classic conditioning. I believe that while
external factors can contribute to a decision, individuals are still have the power to make their
own decision based on values and their intention. Also, Humanists are very intrigued with the
study of the whole self (Huitt, W.). This is something I have always been interested in.
Introspection, reflection and setting goals in life have always been important to me. This means
seeing oneself and others as a culmination of all life experiences, decisions, and development.
Humanism also emphasizes the importance of developing the regulatory system and the
affective or emotional system (Huitt, W.). The regulatory system acts as a filter for connecting
the information drawn from outside world to our internal thoughts and then also making
connections between knowledge and feelings to action. The affective or emotional system colors
and embellishes these learning experiences we receive through regulatory systems (Huit, W).
As a teacher using these humanistic principles, I would promote student independence and selfdirection (Huit, W.). I believe that students need to develop responsibility for their own learning.
The instructor is there to facilitate learning, and it is the students job to take initiative to gain
knowledge. This is important to me because I believe that students need to gain the skills to be
able to find information that they need in their lives. Students need to learn to make use of their

resources to find knowledge they need on their own and this skill is one that they will use for the
rest of their lives. I believe that creativity is of high importance and should not be disregarded.
Creativity contributes to new ideas, productivity, and solutions to complex problems. I have
always enjoyed the arts in my educational experience. I was fortunate to be able to add my voice
to choirs for years and years in my schooling. I remember hearing about how school districts
were giving less and less funding to the arts and music department. I think that the arts and music
are just as crucial to education as math and science. I think that many dont realize its benefits on
academics and cultural experience.

References
Kauchak Don and Eggen Paul. Introduction to Teaching: Becoming a Professional. 3rd
ed. New Jersey: Pearson Education Inc., 2014. Print.
Huit, W. Humanism and open education. Educational Psychology Interactive.
Valdosta, Georgia: Valdosta State University. 2009.