Madonna Abdalla

LBS 400

Philosophy of Education
Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself. John
Dewey really captured the importance of education in this quote. There is
nothing more important than education; lifelong learning is a process in
which we all participate. I suppose the ultimate purpose of education is to
help people be the teacher themselves, to make everyone learn how to selfeducate and have a critical thinking skills. We educate children to prepare
them for life, nourishing the potential in every child so that each may
connect and contribute his/her unique ideas and abilities to society.

The

American journalist, Sydney J. Harris, draw a great picture of education

through his quote, The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into
windows, meaning that education is a process of learning to look beyond
yourself, and to see the rest of the world more clearly.

I believe that

education should be an empowering process that allows and guides children

to develop their passions, critical thinking, compassion, and orientation
towards wisdom for appropriate actions.
Children do learn best under certain conditions to gain the most
knowledge. As a future teacher, I consider that there are many important
features of positive learning environment. When I observed classrooms I
realized that classrooms with bright colors, wall decorations, and activity
boards are more positive learning environments than other classrooms.

Children do learn best when the learning environment involves visual and
auditory learning styles. I also believe that tactile and kinesthetic learning
styles are extremely helpful in the learning environment. Children do learn
best while using all their senses. They may forget what you said but they
will never forget how you made them feel, Carol Buchner.

Students

feelings toward their teachers stay life long with them.

The personal and the academic relationships between teachers and
their students can be the most influential factor that affects the success of
culturally diverse students. I suppose that there are many strategies for
teachers to address issues of diversity and equity. As I future teacher, I
believe that developing an understanding of students lives enables teachers
to increase the relevance of lessons and make examples more meaningful.
Effective educators consider students culture and language skills when
developing learning objectives and instructional activities. Teachers must
bring the strength out of diversity and use it as a benefit that all students are
given an equal access to learning. There is an ancient saying by the
philosopher, Sun Tzu, that really supported the idea of strength lies in
differences and not in similarities There are not more than five primary
colors, yet in combination they produce more hues than can ever been seen.
There are not more than five musical notes, yet the combination of these five
give rise to more melodies than can ever be heard. If teachers are able to
use the differences in the classroom environment, this diversity will ensure
the equality among all students.

As a mother, Im always concerned about what my son will be learning

from the outside environment. I think that teachers must be prepared to
teach children everything the positive and proper way. Our children are
exposed everyday to many unsuitable subjects and as educators we should
be able to teach the reality of all subjects, for instance, subjects as religion,
sex, and politics. Of course, there are norms of any speech event and the
language the teacher is using must be suitable for students. As a future
teacher, I believe that childrens educators must view the materials before
using them. Various subjects such as history, science, math, etc must be
taught with an open mind. Students must be taught various ways to answer
questions or solve problems.

I believe that teaching with many various

strategies is the most successful way to educate students.

In my educational journey, I realized that the features effective
teachers shares are the ability to motivate students and nurture their desire
to learn, create an environment where students work is valued and
appreciated, encourage students to accept responsibility for their own
learning, and last but not least design lessons and learning environments
that allow students to participate in empowering activities. I truly believe in
Benjamin Franklin quote tell me and I forget, teach me and I remember,
involve me and I learn. In my opinion, teachers are successful when they
have the ability to show creativity in teaching students, respect and deals
with students problems compassionately, and maintain positive attitudes

about teaching and about students by involving students in the teaching

process.