Teaching+and+Learning+Philosophy

=**About Ms. Lindsay Gaughan**=




 * Lindsay Gaughan**
 * Masters of Education, Instructional Technology**
 * Bachelors of Science, Media Communications and Technology**


 * Currently employed with The Paper Magic Group, Scranton, PA**
 * Easter Product Line Coordinator**


 * Activities: Running, Reading, Community Service, Freelance work**


 * Lindsay's Teaching and Learning Philosophy:**

“Administrators must promote teachers and children to be curriculum makers; invite parents to be part of the classroom; allow time for observing the project process; allow planning time for teachers; and encourage and support practitioners by giving them time to develop.” It is important that administrators support the teachers and their values in teaching. Without a strong supportive administration, it is very difficult to meet the needs of all learners in a classroom (Russell, 1994).” To create an ideal classroom, or come as close as the budget allows a teacher, is to be sure they have a strong support system and reasoning about why they feel they deserve what they think makes the ideal classroom.

Students learn by gaining knowledge and understanding in a social setting, known as the classroom. They interact with peers and instructors through a process of negotiation and testing. They may interact with the broader and intellectual community though readings of journals and textbooks. Each student’s knowledge begins with his or her experiences. Each of the students uses their prior knowledge to build a more meaningful understanding of the subject to enhance their ability of learning. A part of learning is dealing with new situations and matters with unknown answers. Today’s society is focused around different forms of technology. As a teacher, it’s important to teach, as well as, implement the technology into a classroom. There is a process a student needs to take in order to reach their best ability and it is the instructors job to be sure that these steps are followed through correctly in order to be sure students are learning subject matters and socially adapting to situations.

Technology is important to both teachers and students, and teachers should use the best of what’s available to them. Because of costs, it is not always an option – but to afford what’s reasonable is important. Most important pieces of technology that should be used in today’s classroom contain: A Smart Board, Projector, Laptops, iPads, desktop computer, internet access. The easiest operating system would be to use MAC. By allowing an interactive smart board and Ipad – kids with special needs can be more interactive in the classroom. The iPad can turn into a portable interactive white board. In order to include these items in a classroom, a teacher needs the projector, and desktop computer. Software is important to make these programs run. Software that is highly important is SmartNotebook, Microsoft office.

Technology is not only available to help the teachers grow professionally and continue to learn as they develop better lesson plans using technology, but to also allow students to interact and engage in conversation while using technology to present lessons. By gaining more attention from the students this will help students succeed academically.

As mentioned earlier, prior knowledge and experiences is what opens the mind to ask questions and think about subject matters, the first step students should take is to articulate initial knowledge. Add to what is already known and enrich and refine it with the student’s efforts. Students should correct misconceptions and understand the viewpoints of others. Students should create new ideas and reflect on the way their conceptions and perspectives are changing. A classroom should be open for questions and discussion. This will lead to develop the ability to be creative and more imaginative. The environment makes a difference and impacts how students will learn. The ideal learning environment should consist of making sure activities are accessible to everyone. Students should feel accepted and free to propose their own ideas without premature judgment. Everyone should learn to support their ideas while interacting with peers and instructors. Conversations should take place where students feel they can contribute at anytime and expand ideas and interest through demonstrations and experiments. Students should be surrounded in an environment that provides self-motivation that develops a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

Students should feel comfortable and have an area to relax and read. This would be considered a reading corner with comfortable chairs and pillows. It should be wider for those who cannot access the pillows or comfortable chairs to still participate. Not only the physical appearance but also the attitudes should be positive. In order to gain positive attitudes the teacher should practice positive reinforcement.

The ideal learning philosophy should involve the responsibilities that instructors should uphold. This would be socially and educationally. The first step is to make students learn the language of discipline. Setting goals and methods for each of the students that create interest and curiosity. Encourage the students to work hard and communicate the standards of judgment. Teachers should wean students of their dependence and act as a resource without answering every answer directly every time. To provide a challenge to each of the students’ ability so they wonder and struggle to succeed. Teachers should be active listeners and learners and encourage students to collaborate and work in new situations (problem solve). Teachers should be fair and provide critical feedback as needed and have fair criticism. The ideal classroom should hold problem-solving stations, which may include stepping outside on a nice day. These stations consist of tire swing and rope and tape. Creating group problem solving is fun and also an asset to learning.

My learning philosophy involves the four items including technology, students, teachers/administrators and environment. These four concepts play a huge role together and should collaborate in the classroom that will allow a successful learning atmosphere for all students.

References:

Firlik, R. (1995). Early Childhood Education and Beyond: Can We Adapt the Practices and Philosophies from the Preschools of Reggio Emilia, Italy into Our Elementary Schools in America

Rosemarin, S. (2009). Who is the best teacher?. //Gifted Education International//, //25//, 48-55.

Wolk, R. (2010). Education: The case for making. //Educational Leadership//, 16-21.

Wolk, R. (2010). Education: The case for making. //Educational Leadership//, 16-21.