Think about……….. How do you plan to teach when you have your first classroom? What content will you focus on? What teaching strategies will you incorporate? How will you relate to your students???

Philosophy of Education Will help guide you in the classroom Though, it’s there – you are not often aware of its existence or how it will influence your actions Philosophy – set of principles we choose to live by, even though we do not often think about them. ▫Studying education philosophy – more aware of your beliefs about teaching & learning & helps to make decisions ▫Strongly influence how you teach & interact with students

Philosophy of Education Philosophy – search for wisdom (study of theories of knowledge, truth, existence & morality Reflecting helps us to develop our philosophy of education Theory – set of related principles that are based on observation & are used to explain the world around us Philosophy and theory = overlap

Epistemology The branch of philosophy that deals with knowledge & questions ▫How do we know what we know A variety of ways of knowing ▫Scientific method ▫Experience ▫Intuition ▫Relying on others

Epistemology Important b/c our beliefs about how students learn influence how we teach

Philosophy Metaphysics – branch that considers what we know ▫What is real??? Axiology – branch that considers values & ethics ▫¾ of students admitted to cheating on tests Logic – branch that influences how we think about the world ▫Examines the processes of deriving valid conclusions from basic principles

Philosophies of Education Perennialism – suggest that nature – is constant & schools should teach content & topics that have withstood the test of time ▫Right vs wrong, morals, concepts: good & evil, sin and repression Essentialism – suggest that specific knowledge & skills exist that all people should possess ▫Reading, writing, math ▫Reforms – No Child Left Behind Both share the view that knowledge & understanding are crucial, both are weary of educational trends

Philosophies of Education Progressivism – emphasizes real world problem solving & individual development Develop students as completely as possible – physically, intellectually, socially & emotionally Teachers – caring, questions/answers

Philosophies of Education Social Reconstructionism – asserting that schools, teachers & students take the lead in addressing social problems & improving society. ▫Curriculum – societal issues  Discussion primary teaching method

Social Reconstructionism Progressivism Perennialism Essentialism

Why choose a school Personnel Physical Plant Organization of the curriculum  Which will be most important to you??? Why??

Choosing a School Curriculum – everything that a teacher teachers & students learn Organized around standards – learning goals

School Levels Early childhood programs Elementary Schools Jr. High Schools ▫Emphasis on academic subjects Middle Schools ▫Address the need of early adolescents High Schools ▫AP (Advanced Placement) Courses ▫Dual-Enrollment

Observations Could you see yourself as an elementary school teacher??

Criticism of High Schools Problems with tracking ▫Career pathways ▫College Size ▫1,500+ students Departmentalization ▫Grouping of teachers – not interrelated Lack of academic rigor ▫Scheduling

Alternatives Career Technical Schools Career Academies ▫Small learning communities Technology & Teaching ▫Distance Education ▫Virtual Schools

Finding a Good School!! Quality of school = satisfaction with your job ▫Quality = Important Good – Effective ▫Learning for all students Researchers has identified 7 characteristics

Effective School Optimal Size ▫School  Too small or too big = problems  Size = influence other factors ▫Class  20 or fewer – optimal  Teacher – student ratio  Research – for fewer students  Smaller class sizes – life is easier  97% indicated it on survey Leadership ▫Principal sets the tone of the school, like you set the tone of the class ▫Sports do not take precedence over learning Collective efficacy ▫Teachers’ belief in their school’s ability to promote student learning, regardless of condition ▫Personal teaching efficacy – teacher’s belief that he/she can promote learning in all students Interactive instruction ▫Teacher – student participation ▫Walking through the hallways

Effective School Monitoring of Student Progress ▫Feed back about learning ▫Effective – assessment centered Strong Parent & Communality Involvement Safe & Orderly Environment ▫Home – very important