My Teaching Philosophy

Maria Dolores

Teaching and learning continues to broaden my mind and how it is forever changing; this solidified my thoughts when examining the teaching philosophy, “By learning you will teach; by teaching you will learn.” As a future educator who hadn’t always known that this was the career I wanted to pursue, I look back on my education and how the journey has changed drastically based on the knowledge I retained through others. In a classroom, students will tend to have an influence, and they will follow alongside their peers. When a student thoroughly engages in learning by inquiry, solving problems, or conveying new ideas, it naturally positions them to be proficient in teaching others. This concept grows from confidence in individuals, as they feel self-reliance and courage. Conversely, a teacher’s goal is to strengthen our thoughts and reinforce understanding to the point where a student feels assured to articulate ideas in front of others. When disclosing new knowledge and perspective, students foster a positive, reciprocal relationship allowing for a collaborative classroom. To embody this philosophy into my classroom, I would use various teaching strategies that involve synergy between individuals and allow peer teaching to some extent. Give students the opportunities to help one another, offer constructive feedback, and allow for possible inquiry. I acknowledge that students learn at different paces, so incorporating multiple means of comprehension through activity is noteworthy. These strategies would not only enhance growth in knowledge and broaden deeper understanding of learning, but also build students’ confidence levels, in and outside the classroom. This teaching philosophy highlights the dynamic cycle of education, where the role of the teacher does not only strengthen a student’s understanding, but also empowers the learner.