As a student who grew up in the 90’s, my school memories lean towards a perennialism and essentialism approach. I remember learning from textbooks, reading classic novels and Shakespeare, and I remember having to sit at my desk for hours to listen to long lectures. I remember students that had any sort of special needs being removed and put into the life skills classes, and never being a part of class.
I do however remember a change in high school, new classes started to be added and new teachers came to our school who became the “cool” teachers. We got classes like English media where we would go to much music for field trips, make commercials on VHS, and get in there and have some fun with our learning. I remember reading the book The Firm, we got to choose our way of presenting what we read. So not just a book report but maybe a poster, a video, Claymation, really anything to get creative. I think these made an impact because I believe I learn better when I can get in there, be creative, and have some choice. I also remember the start of students who had diverse needs being supported and coming back into the classroom, making for a more inclusive space.
Knowing myself and seeing students learn in the school as an EA in the school district I believe my teaching philosophy, as of now, is leaning towards a blend of progressivism and Reconstructionism. I believe that the focus on experiential learning, critical thinking, and societal transformation is how students will excel in school, keep them interested, and get them ready for the real world (Edmunds et al., 2015)
I picture my classroom as a space where students can be active participants not just sitting at their desks listening. I want my students to enjoy learning and not just memorize words, textbook math questions, or lists of information. I want them to participate, I want them to learn by doing, I want to encourage curiosity and I want them to work together as a team to solve problems. I picture my students asking questions, challenging norms, and setting big dreams. I want to be a teacher that encourages this type of thinking and teach (Edmunds et al., 2015)
Another important part of my classroom will be the focus on diversity, equity, and inclusivity. I want my students to feel safe and welcome, I want my students to encourage kindness and empathy and I want to challenge my students to think of others and not just themselves. We will celebrate each student’s achievements, curiosity, and the class as a whole for working together (Edmunds et al., 2015)
I know I am just the beginning of my journey as a teacher, but I am excited to see where it takes me. I realize my philosophy of teaching will change as I gain more experience, learn and encounter new ideas, and of course as the learning and education needs change for my students. I do believe that a combination of these two theories, progressivism and reconstructionism will prepare my students for the real world, where they can make a change, be great learners, be great problem solvers, be active in society, and have a bright future.
References
Edmunds, A. L., Nickel, J., Badley, K., & Edmunds, G. (2015). Educational Foundations in Canada. Oxford University Press.