1. Philosophy of Teaching
Recently, the place that I belong to, kingdom of Saudi Arabia is focusing on sending
a massive amount of students to study abroad in order to make some changes and
development in the learning/teaching process. In my culture, the closed teaching style
is followed in schools or universities where teachers and professors have the absolute
power to guide and direct the whole process whereas students are playing the role of
the receivers. However, this antiquated system must be stopped soon and it will. I think
the reason behind sending students to study abroad is to make a new revolution in the
teaching system that aims to help students achieving better knowledge.
After studying in an open cultural style university, my philosophy of teaching will
be different from what it was before. I will pay attention to the students’ needs and
interests and try to engage them in the teaching process as much as I can. A syllabus
will be used with clear details because students should know what the requirements of
the course are. I will try different assessment tools in assessing students after explaining
the nature of these tools to the students. Rubrics will be something completely new to
them but they will like them. I believe that students need to know why they get a
specific score in order to avoid committing the same errors so that their work improves.
Students have the right to get some corrective feedback when it is needed. They will
get the chance to participate, discuss, argue, make presentations, create projects, work
in groups, and work individually. Students will be active and advantageous part of the
teaching process. I will try to create a comfortable atmosphere in the classroom by
lowering students’ anxiety and affective filter. My role in the classroom will be a helper
for the students who guides, and supports at the same time.