Reflect back on your personal experiences as a student and as a teacher before beginning to write. A philosophy is a personal statement but it must be grounded in logical thought and connections to ideas that are linked to your topic. It is important to describe your character and what you bring to teaching. Address the following questions when developing your teaching philosophy:
How do you learn best yourself?
What do you notice about how other people learn?
What learning theory (or theories) appeals to you most and why? It is recommended to choose one of the learning theories discussed in Chapter 3 (Bastable) or Chapter 14 (Billings) to support your teaching philosophy – however, there are other learning theories in the literature that could be considered. Although it is not required, the learning “style” models/theories (Kolb’s, VARK, etc.) may be integrated into your teaching philosophy within the context of a learning theory.
How does your preferred learning theory (or theories) link to and support your planned teaching methods/strategies and activities?
How will your philosophy affect the teaching methods/strategies that you select?
What type of relationship do you anticipate having with your students/learners?
Are there any teaching methods/strategies you would avoid or adapt? (For example, describe how you would adapt that preferred method when assigned to teach a class/course involving content or a setting that is not ideally suited to that method.)
Comments will be made on your expression of ideas. There are no right/wrong answers here, but you should begin to learn to express yourself in a powerful and meaningful way. Your paper should be no more than 3 pages, double-spaced, 11-12 Times New Roman font, excluding title page and reference page (no abstract needed). You may also write your paper in first person
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Introduction:
As a medical professor, I have had the opportunity to learn and teach in various settings. Through my experiences, I have come to develop a personal teaching philosophy that is grounded in my beliefs and experiences.
1. How do you learn best yourself?
As a lifelong learner, I have discovered that I learn best through active participation and practical experience. I enjoy learning by doing and exploring new concepts through experimentation. I find that hands-on and experiential learning helps me retain information better.
2. What do you notice about how other people learn?
Everyone has their own unique learning style and preferences. Some students prefer visual aids, while others prefer to learn through auditory means. Additionally, many students benefit from a combination of both. It is important to recognize these differences and provide various teaching methods that cater to different learning styles.
3. What learning theory (or theories) appeals to you most and why?
The social constructivist theory is the most appealing to me as it emphasizes the importance of collaboration and social interaction in learning. This theory aligns with my belief that learning is a shared experience and that individuals learn from one another. It promotes the idea that learning is an ongoing process and that knowledge is constantly being constructed through social interactions.
4. How does your preferred learning theory (or theories) link to and support your planned teaching methods/strategies and activities?
My preferred learning theory supports my planned teaching methods by encouraging collaborative learning experiences. I plan to promote group work, peer-to-peer learning, and problem-based learning to encourage students to learn from one another. In addition, I will incorporate hands-on activities, practical experiences, and real-life scenarios to encourage active learning and application of knowledge.
5. How will your philosophy affect the teaching methods/strategies that you select?
My teaching philosophy will influence the strategies and methods that I select by prioritizing the importance of collaboration and social interaction in learning. I will strive to create a classroom atmosphere that is conducive to learning and fostering relationships between students to facilitate peer-to-peer learning.
6. What type of relationship do you anticipate having with your students/learners?
I anticipate having a positive and open relationship with my students. I believe that it is essential to create a welcoming environment where students feel supported and heard. I hope to establish a relationship with my students built on mutual respect, trust, and empathy.
7. Are there any teaching methods/strategies you would avoid or adapt?
As an educator, I believe it is essential to be adaptable and flexible in teaching methods and strategies. While I have a preferred style of teaching, I recognize that not all settings or students will benefit from it. As such, I am willing to adapt and modify my teaching to cater to the needs of my students.
Conclusion:
My philosophy emphasizes the importance of collaborative and social learning experiences, active participation, and practical application. I believe that students learn best when they are engaged in their learning and have opportunities to interact with one another. As an educator, I am committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming learning environment that promotes lifelong learning and builds valuable relationships with students.
