From Teaching Philosophy to Classroom Practice

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From Teaching Philosophy toClassroom Practice

• by Jane Ford, M.A.
• Adjunct Faculty in Psychology
• Ivy Tech, Bloomington Campus
• Adjunct Faculty Conference
• April 19, 2008

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What is a Teaching Philosophy?

• teachers conscience
• guide to what we do and what is our teaching
  identity
• identify the choices we make as teachers (in the
  beginning)

• used for renewal and modification (for
  experienced philosophers)

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Philosophy can be expressed through

• Teacher behaviors
• syllabus statements
• types of assignments
• ways of interacting with students
• Putting it into writing will help these elements
  be more thoughtful and deliberate.

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Elements of a Statement of Teaching Philosophy

• They are all yours. In fact, it has been
  recommended that you do not read anothers
  teaching philosophy prior to writing your own
  (Korn, 2003).
• Use it for guidance in planning courses and
• reflection on our evolving beliefs about
  teaching.
• You might discover discrepancies between your
  philosophy and your practices.
• You also might find hidden philosophies that
  are shown in your behavior and class structure.

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My experience with teaching philosophy

• written for class before teaching
• assisted in developing first syllabus
• have revised it over time
• use it to keep myself honest as to my motives to
  including teaching elements in the classroom

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Connecting Philosophy with Teaching

• Think about the ways that you can bring to life
  your teaching philosophy
• When you find yourself implementing a new
  teaching element, ask yourself how/where this
  fits with your philosophy
• At times, you might realize that your philosophy
  needs to be amended as you realize the importance
  of an item to your teaching

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To help you think about elements of your
philosophy

1. think of the best teacher you had or a composite
   of teachers. What made them good? What made
   others not-so-good?
2. Think of a metaphor that describes your teaching.
   What kind of animal or tree would describe your
   teaching?
3. Also, think of the elements of how philosophy is
   expressed interacting, behaving, assigning,
   syllabus elements

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Starting or Revising Your Philosophy

• Write 2-3 Philosophical elements that are
  uppermost in your mind
• Then generate a couple of teaching techniques you
  have used that are linked to these
• (depending on group size) Present your elements
  and receive input as to other ways to implement
  these

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Examples

• Some elements I have generated and revised over
  time

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As time goes on

• When you add a new teaching element, use
  self-examination - ask yourself why you are
  implementing this element
• in reaction to just a few students
• because you are tired and want to do less work
• because you are angry at either students or
  teaching environment
• because you have discovered a new element that
  has gained importance