1. Cleveland ● Teaching Philosophy
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Bethany C. Cleveland, PhD
TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
My philosophy of teaching is based on the theories of Knowles and Houle. Malcolm
Knowles is regarded as the father of Adult Education and Cyril Houle’s motivational
typology explains, in part, why adults engage in the learning process. Adult learners
are a unique group of students. Those who are most successful are those who are self-directed
and who are motivated by intrinsic factors rather than extrinsic factors. Adult
learners typically have responsibilities that can both interfere and support their
educational pursuits. Adult learners also have experiences that enhance the classroom
environment enriching the overall educational experience.
As a teacher who is interested in student motivation, I seek to understand the factors
that influence their decision to enroll in my class. I take responsibility for creating an
engaging environment in which participation, collaboration, and support of all
members is encouraged and expected. I view adult education as a professional learning
experience in which students are expected to not only study, but also to take
responsibility for acquiring new information and skill. Both myself and my students
are learners and have contributions to make to one another.
My prior teaching experience at the secondary level proved to me how important
motivation was to student success. It also showed me how allowing students to buy
into the class by being active and involved in the learning process enhanced the level of
participation and collaboration that took place in the classroom. The field of adult
education has provided me with an opportunity to build upon these teaching methods
and to put them into practice.
I also strongly believe in integrating technology into the educational experience. I
foresee it becoming a world where distance and online education are options at most all
post-secondary schools. I find utilizing the Canvas LMS to be a great resource for
communication, course development, and providing students with valuable resources
that they can access at any time anywhere. The ability for quality, professional
education to reach people regardless of the distance is one of the greatest advantages of
the integration of technology into education. I feel that it is my duty to utilize the most
current technologies available and to search out new technologies that can be enhance
the realm of adult education.