Purpose of Education

The purpose of education is to become someone important in life. It is to be able to

understand what is going on in the world and how to get through the real world that awaits. I
believe education shapes a person, opens doors to curiosity, and it leads to more learning. I
believe anyone is capable of learning as long as there is a spark of curiosity. An educated future
will improve society because people with an educational background will make better choices. I
believe the purpose of education is to make a better society and to be prepared to take on the
challenges that the outside world may bring. According to Oakes and Lipton (2003), Horace
Mann wanted schools to complement what families taught their children at home (Pg.87). I
believe that is a great concept because it helps apply school learning at home.
Learning Environment
I believe children learn best when they are motivated to do better and when they see the
results that come with doing their best. Children learn best when the teacher is prepared, and they
see the teacher has the passion for them to achieve. I also believe some children learn best when
they are given a chance to work in a self-paced environment. A self-paced environment allows
the students to learn and understand the concept better. I also believe children learn best when
they have a hands-on learning environment. Students will remember the concepts better because
they can use their five senses. I believe students learn best when they master the inquiry
approach. The standards focus on inquiry because it helps the students make their meaning of the
text, rather than the teacher telling them what it is they are reading (Stripling, 2008, pg. 50). I
believe this approach is great because it allows students to think and make their ideas of what
they read.

Commitment to Social Justice

I believe issues with diversity and equality can be taught in a way that respects
everybodys culture and background. Talking about how every ethnicity has had struggles in the
past and the present time is good because that way everyone understands each other and no
fingers get pointed as to who the bad people are. I believe no student should feel any different
than their classmates. When diversity issues come up in the news, I believe teachers should
address them professionally without pointing fingers and explaining that just because one person
from a certain race does bad things, does not mean the label is put on every person of that race.
We are all equal anywhere we go, and I will make sure that in my classroom everyone respects
each other. I will certainly respect my students background and have an open mind to learn from
their cultures. I strongly agree with Hackman as she says, understanding group dynamics of the
classroom and the socially constructed indemnities of the teacher and students, (pg.108) it is
important for a teacher to understand the different diversities they will have in the classroom. I
believe a teacher should let the parents know that in their classroom every student regardless of
the race will receive equal education opportunities.
Curriculum
I believe students should know how to apply what they learn in school, in other situations
as well. According to Wilson and Peterson (2006), They must know the basics, but they must
also know how to get to the basics to identify and solve nontraditional problems (pg.113) I
would like for my students to be able to use the basic knowledge as a guide to expand in
knowledge. I believe that any subject, any topic that is taught, should be learned and well known

to the teacher first and then to the students. I believe what is taught in the classroom should
incorporate what is taught at home. Involving what students learn at home into the curriculum
will be much easier and fun for some students to grasp the concept. During the school day, I
believe motivation and achievement should be instructed in every topic. I also believe reading
should be stressed in every academic subject because reading sparks learning and help students
understand any text better. I believe the teacher should be the example of promoting good health
by talking about the effects of not exercising. Teachers can teach their students how watching
what they eat influences their life in the long run. Teachers can incorporate activity breaks during
the day to helps students be active and to also help refresh the mind. I believe literacy should be
reinforced in all subjects daily so students will be engaged in learning and reading.
Teacher
I believe to be effective; a teacher needs to be dedicated, passionate, organized and
adaptable. Also, an effective teacher needs to positive and flexible at all times. Teaching is a
passion in which the time spent for the students to understand will not matter. An effective
teacher knows the way each of their students learns. To be an effective teacher one must be the
motivator, go into the field with an enthusiastic spirit to give the best to the students. An effective
teacher plans according to her students pace and methods of learning. An effective teacher
makes sure each student learns in their best method. A teacher is aware that at times, the lesson
will take longer than planned. I believe that a teacher should have the inquiry to better their
classroom atmosphere. Teacher conferences and workshops are a great tool for teachers to gain
insight into the current trend for the classroom.

Bibliography
Hackman.H.W (2005). Five essential components for social justice education. Pgs. 103-108
Oakes, J., Lipton,M. (2003).The teaching challenge of the twenty- first century. In J.Oakes & M.
Lipton (Eds.), Schooling: Wrestling with history and tradition in teaching to change the
world.
Stripling, B. (2008). Inquiry: Inquiring minds want to know. School Library Media Activities
Monthly, XXV(1), 50-52.
Wilson, M. S., & Peterson, L. P. (2006). Theories of learning and teaching: What do they mean
for educators.