1. Yesterday’s Morals Tomorrow’s Tech By Bill Wilson
Educational Philosophy: Regaining Americas Dream of a Brighter Tomorrow
Yesterday’s Morals Tomorrow’s Tech
By Bill Wilson

2. What is Philosophy?
Inquiry into the nature of things based on logical reasoning rather than empirical methods
A system of values by which one lives
Looking beyond what is and seeing what may be

3. Educational Philosophy
A philosophy about education requires systematic, critical thinking about educational practice.
A teacher’s educational philosophy helps the educator interpret, find meaning, and direct the daily work of the classroom

4. Philosophy and Teacher Professionalism
All professions have philosophical beliefs.
Educational philosophy is one important aspect of teacher’s professional knowledge.

5. Idealism Realism Pragmatism Existentialism
Traditional Schools of Philosophy Educational Philosophies have roots in these schools
Idealism
Asserts that because the physical world is always changing, ideas are the only reliable form of reality
Realism
The features of the universe exist whether or not a human being is there to perceive them.
Pragmatism
Rejects the idea of absolute, unchanging truth, instead asserting that truth is “what works”
Existentialism
humanity isn’t part of an orderly universe; rather individuals create their own realities.

6. Philosophy and Cultural Minorities
The philosophies that we embrace are influenced by the cultures we live in.
Western philosophy heavily emphasizes individualism and rational thought.
Other world cultures place greater relative emphasis on the wisdom of elders, feelings and personal relationships, and harmony.
My philosophy is a balance from all cultures, and we balance that with technology.

7. Basic Philosophies of Education
Perennialism
Essentialism
Behaviorism
Progressivism
Existentialism
Postmodernism (Critical Theory)

8. Perennialism
One should teach things that one deems to be of everlasting importance to all people everywhere
An educational philosophy suggesting that nature, including human nature, is constant.
Roots in both Idealism and Realism
Rigorous intellectual curriculum for all students, classic works

9. Essentialism
Children should learn the traditional basic subjects and these should be learned thoroughly and rigorously.
An educational philosophy suggesting that a critical core of knowledge and skills exists that all people should possess
Roots in Idealism and Realism
Back to basics movements
Standards, testing, cultural literacy
What is essential can change

10. Behaviorism
Behaviorism is a theory of animal and human learning that only focuses on objectively observable behaviors and discounts mental activities. Behavior theorists define learning as nothing more than the acquisition of new behavior.
Used by teachers when they reward (reinforce) or punish behaviors

11. Progressivism
An educational philosophy emphasizing curricula that focus on real-world problem solving and individual development.
Roots in Pragmatism
Constructivism
John Dewey

12. Existentialism
A educational philosophy built on a viewpoint in which school curriculum and instruction should encourage deep personal reflection on one’s identity, commitments, and choices.
Focuses on the existence of the individual and individual responsibility
People are responsible for defining themselves through their choices
Education’s most important goal is to awaken human consciousness
Education should focus on both cognitive and affective dimensions

13. Postmodernism (Critical Theory)
An educational philosophy contending that many of the institutions in our society, including schools, are used by those in power to marginalize those who lack power.
Roots in Existentialism
History / Classics examined for power issues, struggles of marginalized groups
Criticized for using schools for political purposes

14. Practice Evaluate your own educational philosophy
What would a teacher say, think, and act?

15. Standards and Essential Knowledge
The current emphasis on standards is based largely on essentialism, the belief that there is a critical core of knowledge all students should master.
Advocates of standards (and essentialism) believe that the major role of schools should be to ensure that all students master a core of knowledge.
Critics of standards (and essentialism) respond that most crucial knowledge is learned through rote memorization, soon becoming forgotten or inert, and fails to influence students’ current or future lives.

16. Philosophies of Education in Urban Environments
Because of the challenges involved in urban teaching, developing a coherent philosophy of education is even more important.
Beliefs, both positive and negative, about urban learners can have profound influences on urban teachers and the way they teach.

17. Developing Your Philosophy of Education
Philosophy can guide practice and help you explain and defend your educational goals.
The process of developing a philosophy begins with examining your own beliefs about teaching, learning, and students.
An analysis of educational philosophies can assist teachers in forming their own personal, and probably eclectic, personal philosophy.

18. My Philosophy
When a student enters my classroom they will be entering a place where their learning is the main focus. From the way the topics are taught to my teaching style, everything will be done with the students’ best interests in mind. As a teacher, it is my job to instill a love of learning in my students. Everything that I do in the classroom supports this love and helps the students to fulfill their potential.

19. I believe parents can be a great asset in the classroom.
I have found that including them is beneficial for the students and for me. One example of this is having the parents come in and help the students with editing and revising. One-on-one help is great for the students and the parents really like to be a part of what is going on in their child’s class.

20. I believe in making my lessons authentic.
For example, when teaching a lesson about addition with money, use a menu from one of the local restaurants and have the students “order” food and add up what their bill would be.

21. I believe in using a variety of teaching techniques
There are many different ways of learning and every child learns things differently. One example in my classroom to teach the students the process of a bill becoming a law.
I will use the school house rock video on a bill becoming a law, and I have used many other school house rock videos from my childhood to teach about adverbs, and conjunction junction what's your function just to name a few.

22. I believe in using a variety of assessment techniques.
The four main types of assessment that I will use are: individual projects or exhibition, one-on-one oral tests or interviews (i.e. for reading), portfolios, and the occasional quiz. A student, who does not do well on one type of assessment, may excel at another. A variety of types better show me what knowledge the students have. Using a variety of assessments is important because they showcase different levels of understanding.

23. I believe it is very important to create a supportive learning environment.
One way I create that support is by making sure that the students have a variety of ways for getting help. These include, asking the teacher, asking other students, and using the many resources that are available in the classroom.

24. No two kids are alike, especially when it comes to hitting developmental benchmarks. But it helps to have a rough idea of which academic and social skills your child should acquire at his or her grade level. Learn more about your child's classroom in such subject areas as reading, math, and science.

25. Works Cited
Forrest W. Parkay “Becoming A Teacher”9th Edition (2013) Dr. Wayne Dyer “Shift” (2008) Dr. James Dobson “Parenting is not for Cowards” (2002) Charles William Wilson "The man that raised me and I call Father." (January 1967 to 1998). Mrs. Lishgke "My 5th Grade teacher." (Central Elementry School) Pete Arnold “my 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade teacher”(Lawrenceburg High) 1981 to Terry Heath “my 10th, 11th,and 12th grade teacher”(Lawrenceburg High) 1982 to My Grandfather, Master Xiang, Shaman Proud feather, and The Boy scout’s for the lessons they have taught me.