Teaching Philosophy Teaching Is a Conversation. It Essay

Teaching Philosophy

Teaching is a conversation. It is a dialogue, not a monologue. When a teacher strives to convey knowledge, he or she must do so with an awareness of the student body's needs and background. Teaching involves give-and-take: even when lecturing the teacher must do so with an awareness of whom she or he is lecturing to. Do the students have special needs? Are they familiar with this period of history? Are they likely able to relate to the character in the story?

Teaching is also a performance. Like a good performer, the teacher must know his or her audience: their strengths and weaknesses, and what frameworks of knowledge they 'bring to the table.' Although the teacher may have to convey a specific syllabus of content, the teacher cannot assume that every class has the same background. Teachers must also have sensitivity and understanding of student's cultural differences, social and personal challenges, and learning needs but also ask the students to adapt to the requirements of the wider classroom community.A good teacher views the classroom as a learning experience for him or herself as well as for students. A good teacher learns from students and asks them to share their points-of-view, even when they disagree with one another or the teacher. A good teacher knows how to channel conflict and debate in a positive direction to generate growth. In my field of criminal justice, I would ask students in a classroom to share their personal experiences with the justice system, and compare these encounters with what they see on TV. Then I would ask them if they think 'cop shows' have been a positive or negative influence on the culture. Often the image of the justice system and the 'real thing' are very different, and asking students to volunteer life experience and opinions….....