1. Cassana Bridgemohan Eng 430 Instructor: Prof. Gee
March 18, 2010
Teaching Philosophy
I believe that my role as a teacher is to help students develop an understanding of various
subjects and how those subjects are significant to them. Understanding in the classroom refers to
what the teacher hopes for the student to achieve, as well as the relationship between the teacher
and the student. I believe that as a teacher I am responsible for helping my students develop a
personal connection to the things they study. This is becomes evident when their interest in and
application of what is taught goes beyond my initial instruction. Also, whenever the student can
see the implications of what was learnt in a subject area across the wide spectrum of other
subject areas. For example, when a student is able to see the effects of a topic learnt in history
affecting science or business
It is essential for the successful education of my students that I understand my role as a
facilitator of education. When teachers truly understand this role, then finding ways to impart
knowledge to and develop understanding in the student may be achieved. Teachers who have an
understanding of their role teach with a personal touch; as each class or student requires. In
addition it is important that students understand the teacher’s role in relation to themselves. This
contributes to respect for the teacher and to effective classroom management.
I also believe that a progressive approach to education will give me the opportunity to
allow my students to make that personal connection with what they study. In society our
interactions with others and our thoughts about the world we live in promotes our understanding.
Since progressivism argues that the school/classroom is a minor replica of society the way we
learn in general society should be the way we learn in our classrooms. In society as we come to
realize how situations, various subjects, people and events apply to us, we are able to manipulate
what we realize to suit our lives and gain greater understanding. In the classroom students may
have the same experience on a smaller scale. John Dewey, a foremost advocate for progressive
education wrote that, “education is a process of living”; I believe that when teachers approach
learning as a living experience for the students then they are able to learn in a manner that is both
comprehensive and personal.
2. Cassana Bridgemohan Eng 430 Instructor: Prof. Gee
Assessment Philosophy
The assessing of student learning and level of understanding is recognizably one of the
more difficult aspects of teaching. A class of students may be determined to be at the same level
(for example; an advance placement history class) but, even within that class the students are
learning in different ways, have varied strengths and weaknesses and, are understanding at
different rates. Since State issued standardized assessments are beyond my control I believe that
it becomes my responsibility as the teacher to provide assessments throughout the year that are
better suited to determined my students level of achievement and reveal areas that need
improvement.
With this responsibility in mind I believe that various types of alternative assessments
also called authentic or performance assessment is the best way to determine student
achievement. In addition formative assessments common among tertiary level education can be
used to evaluate the effectiveness of my lessons and provide student feedback as to how they
liked or learned from the manner in which a subject was presented to them. Both the major and
minor subjects that I will teach are a part of the language arts field. Journals and essays will
make up the majority of my assessments. However, for students who will struggle with their
writing ability alternative assessments such as exhibitions, classroom presentations and
portfolios will complete my course plan.
I believe that using formative assessment will help my students feel that they have a say
in how they are educated. A formative assessment is one where the results are used in the
formation and revision process of the teacher’s lesson plan. Because I may think a lesson is
perfect for the student, this does not necessarily translate to the student having the same feeling.
A student may understand most aspects of a unit but, struggle with other parts, as the teacher I
may not readily recognize it; especially if the student understands enough to do well with the
alternative assessments. I believe formative assessments will be effective in helping both me and
the student.
