“[Kids] don't remember what you try to teach them. They remember what you are.” - Jim Henson

According to the educational philosophy self-assessment, I am considered to be a humanist and cognitivist, which each received a score of 18. Behaviorism and progressivism were close behind, each receiving a score of 17

Humanist educators “consider learning from the perspective of the human potential for growth, becoming the best one can be.” I believe that this is a good philosophy to have as an educator. “People are smart differently.” Students learn in a variety of ways, and it is the teacher’s job to change his/her teaching style to fit the needs of each individual student. “People possess unlimited potential for growth and development.” In the classroom, the teacher should access this potential and help students to be the best that they can be.

This philosophy also connects to another philosophy that defines my teaching, cognitivism. As a cognitivist, the “teachers facilitate environmental conditions and mediate experiences to support student learning.” Again this is a student focused method of teaching, catering to the needs of each individual’s learning needs.

Another philosophy that I have at times is behaviorism. In behaviorism, “behavior is [seen as] the result of external forces that cause humans to behave in predictable ways, rather than from free will. The teacher reinforces what the student to do again and again and ignores undesirable behaviors.” I think there is a time and place for behaviorism. I think that it is a good method of teaching when working with students with special needs. These types of students need to be rewarded at times so they know what is right and what is wrong.

My personal teaching philosophy follows this quote:  “Over prepare, then go with the flow.” I think that this is a great teaching quote. No matter what lesson is going to be implemented, this quote can be followed. Prepare as much as possible, having back up assignments, extra work, and various methods. Once you are in the classroom, you need to go with the flow. If the lesson does not work exactly how you want it to, it is okay. Make changes as you go and do not be afraid to completely disregard parts of your lesson. No one will know if you make changes as you go. The only person a lesson plan is for is you.