1. Why Do I Teach The Way I Do?
Presented by
Dr. Demetria Ennis-Cole
University of North Texas

2. Why Do I Teach the Way I Do?
Abstract
How did your teaching style evolve? On what have you based your practices? Have you modeled instructors you observed, used trial-and-error, or relied on current teaching literature? We will explore our educational philosophies, descriptions of teaching and learning, our roles, and our expectations of our students.
4/11/2019
Why Do I Teach the Way I Do?

3. Why Do I Teach the Way I Do?
Teaching: Influenced by Science
“Science and technology multiply around us. To an increasing extent they dictate the languages in which we speak and think. Either we use those languages, or we remain mute. ”
J.G. Ballard
4/11/2019
Why Do I Teach the Way I Do?

4. Educational Philosophies
A teacher's personal philosophy of education describes the principles (Behaviorism, Constructivism, Perennialism, Existentialism, Experimentalism) that underlie his/her teaching. Also included are student and teacher expectations, descriptions of the types of learning activities, instructional materials and methods, and commitment to diversity and educational opportunity for all students.
4/11/2019
Why Do I Teach the Way I Do?

5. Educational Philosophies
Behaviorism – Teacher-centered philosophy based on reinforcement and stimulus response pairing
Students are thought to be passive and reactive because they respond to carefully orchestrated environmental stimuli. Learning is thought to be an observable change in behavior.
Proponents: Skinner, Watson, Pavlov
4/11/2019
Why Do I Teach the Way I Do?

6. Educational Philosophies
Constructivism – Student-centered philosophy based on the learner’s internal processing and ability to construct knowledge within his/her mind
Students are thought to be active in response to their environment, and they assimilate and accommodate based on their experiences and knowledge. Learning is internal, varies from learner to learner, and is facilitated by hands-on experience.
Proponents: Piaget, Bruner, Papert
4/11/2019
Why Do I Teach the Way I Do?

7. Educational Philosophies
Perennialism – Teacher-centered philosophy based on the thought that enduring principles important to all people should be taught
Students are thought to be reactive, and they should be taught personal development issues and scientific reasoning rather than changeable details and facts. Learning is a study of human concerns. Religious and Secular Perennialism
Proponents: Thomas Aquinas, J.H. Newman
4/11/2019
Why Do I Teach the Way I Do?

8. Educational Philosophies
Existentialism – Teacher-centered philosophy based on studying the meaning of life and valuing the individual
Students are thought to be active; they demonstrate independent thought, accept responsibility for freedom, and seek internal answers about the meaning of life – outside answers may not provide the “real” answers to this question.
Proponents: Sarte, Nietzsche, Kierkegaard
4/11/2019
Why Do I Teach the Way I Do?

9. Educational Philosophies
Progressivism – Student-centered philosophy based on respect for individuality, learning through interactive play and meaningful interactions.
Students are thought to be active and they learn by doing. Teachers emphasize curiosity, social development problem-solving, and on-going growth.
Proponents: Dewey and others
4/11/2019
Why Do I Teach the Way I Do?

10. Observations from Classroom Teachers
Good Role Models for Teachers
Watch themselves and the impact of their actions on students
Take risks
Deal with problems creatively
Learn and integrate new ideas constantly
Have confidence in themselves & their students
4/11/2019
Why Do I Teach the Way I Do?

11. Observations from Classroom Teachers
Good Role Models for Teachers
Do a lot with a little
Make intelligent observations of students, their needs, and problems, and plan appropriate individualized courses of action
Want their students to succeed
Push students to achieve
Have a genuine concern for their students
4/11/2019
Why Do I Teach the Way I Do?

12. Observations from Classroom Teachers
Good Role Models for Teachers
Communicate with parents/caregivers regularly
Have open environments that encourage student exploration and control
Allow students to learn from each other
Are willing to learn from their students and admit that they don’t have all the answers
4/11/2019
Why Do I Teach the Way I Do?

13. Observations from Classroom Teachers
Good Role Models for Teachers
Are organized
Let students know the “big picture”
Practice positive reinforcement
Have high expectations of students
Allow students to take risks, create psychologically safe learning environments where students are not afraid of failure and are encouraged to learn from their mistakes
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Why Do I Teach the Way I Do?

14. Why Do I Teach the Way I Do?
Our Role
Facilitate Learning
Provide Support
Encourage Growth
Accept and Respect our Students and try to move them from their current state to where they need to be
Develop skills so we have something to offer our students
4/11/2019
Why Do I Teach the Way I Do?

15. Interactive and Engaging Learning Environments
Wasserman, 2004 This Teaching Life
“Highly competent teachers have made their classrooms alive and vital places for learning. There is a lot of activity going on, and it is purposeful activity. There is evidence around the room of students’ work, and you can see that pupils have been and are engaged in challenging activities. Fresh ideas are continually being brought into the classroom, and curriculum experiences are initiated that have meaning and relevance for students’ lives. These teachers provide for individual choice, pacing, and cooperative learning. The classrooms are intense, stimulating, vital places, and it is exciting to be in them.”
4/11/2019
Why Do I Teach the Way I Do?

16. Expectations of Our Learners
Active Participation in the learning environment
Respect for the teacher and the learning environment (materials, instructional aids, technology)
A desire to try and doing his/her best work
The ability to listen to instructions and follow them to the best of his/her ability
4/11/2019
Why Do I Teach the Way I Do?

17. Why Do I Teach the Way I Do?
Conclusion
As teachers, we need to build educational philosophies that reflect our beliefs about education, describe our style and methods of instruction, identify our expectations of ourselves and our students, and reflect our commitment to excellence, diversity, life-long learning, and our desire to help our students succeed in school and life.
4/11/2019
Why Do I Teach the Way I Do?