1.
Philosophy of Teaching and Learning
If given the opportunity to teach a section of Introduction to Psychology I would attempt to
retain the qualities of teachers and professors that most effectively facilitated my process of
learning throughout the years. As I reflected on the teachers and professors that enhanced my
education, I discovered a range of interconnected qualities and values that I would want to
reproduce for the section of Introduction Psychology being taught. These themes range from, but
are not limited to:
● Facilitating an accepting and approachable environment
● Encourage a meaningful and competent attitude to motivate students
● Retain a degree of resilience
The three statements mentioned above are the most important characteristics that I have
witnessed as preferred methods of teaching to encourage the most effective learning
environment. If I were to teach an Introductory Psychology class, I can utilize these
characteristics in the following ways...
The most important qualities of a professor involve their ability to make their students feel
comfortable in the learning environment. Students need to feel at home and accepted. When
students feel accepted and those around them as approachable, the classroom environment
becomes a friendly and exciting place to learn. Students will be less afraid to speak their minds
to their classmates and professor when there is no sense of intimidation or fear.
As a teacher, I wouldn’t blindly encourage students to do well in the class and study hard.
These are important aspects to success, but the motivation to do well stems from a sense of
competence and purposefulness in the learning environment. Students should view themselves as
adequate and able understand the material in a useful and fulfilling way.
Lastly, I would communicate the importance of resilience in order for students to achieve
their goals. Students will learn that life doesn’t often go the way you want it to. The ability to
persevere through life’s challenges allows a person to consistently maintain the characteristics
listed above over a long period of time and attain their life goals.
How these principles will be used in the classroom:
● Communication/participation among professor and students
● Online discussion
● Application based questions
● Goal setting for the class