The document outlines the author's personal philosophy of education. The main goals are to nurture students who will contribute positively to society by being intelligent and good character, and to ensure all students can pass their subject and progress grade levels. The author believes moral values, respect, and self-discipline are essential foundations for success. They will make these priorities and use different teaching methods like discussions and debates. The author prefers a learner-centered approach including cooperative learning and uses various learning styles and resources to engage students as visual and auditory learners. The overall aim is for students to achieve their highest potential and add value to society.

1. MY PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION
Teaching Philosophy.
Teaching in the 21st century has its own challenges which need to be surmounted in order to
achieve my goals as a teacher. My main goal is to nurture learners who will be of value to the
society, intelligent and of character. I also have an aim that every learner is capable of passing
my subject and to progress to the next grade. To achieve this, the basic foundation of success in
any school depends on strong moral values, respect and self-discipline. This is because the moral
decay in our society today is alarming therefore I will take it as my priority to reduce or
eliminate it from my class. The teaching of respect, moral values and self-discipline will form
the foundation of my class in which teaching will be done in different ways through discussions,
debate, lecture etc. to nurture them in good character. Theodore Roosevelt (n.d) in Lickona
(1991p. 3) emphasized that, to educate a person in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace
to society. As the classroom manager, I will let my learners know the behavior I expect from
them and will not accept any behaviour that undermine others. Rodriguez and Bellanca (2007,
p.15) supported by explaining that, teachers with high expectation for learners will not accept
any form of misbehavior in class. I have high expectation for my learners both academically and
in behaviour, therefore I belief in ensuring equity in class for all learners during class activities. I
also prefer the seat arrangement in my class to be in groups with spaces so that I will have easy
access to learners when they need me. Rodriguez and Bellanca (2007.p. 13) explained through
the TESA programme that, this is to ensure proximity in learning where there is easy access to
learners. I also belief in motivating all learners who have shown little achievement to continue
their good work. Rodriguez and Bellanca (2007, p.15) emphasized that trained teachers must
give energetic, positive feedback and rewards to all learners with special attention for the
perceived low performers.

2. Co-operative learning activity by my students.
Learning
Due to the high expectation from my learners, I prefer the use of learner- centered approach to
learning which includes the use of cooperative learning, project-based learning, discovery
learning especially in learning science which involves experimental activities and differentiated
learning. I belief in empowering my learners to discuss and share ideas together to come up with
intelligent and innovative ideas or solutions. This also enables me to give individual attention
according to their strength ,Lickona (1991,p.187) supported it by stating that cooperative
learning improves academic achievement, self-esteem and attitude towards school for both high-
and low-ability learners. I instill in my learners that, I belief in them and motivate them to have
the attitude that” I can do”. I regard social interactions with my learners as the channel to break
any barriers inhibiting their learning. I have good relations with them, showing respect and love
which is supported by Lickona (1991, p.75) that, without rapport, a teacher’s moral influence is
greatly diminished. Majority of learners are also affected by emotional issues which affect their
academic work. Jensen (2007, p. 18-19) confirms that the mind and emotions are not separate,
emotions, thinking and learning are all linked, It drives attention and create meaning.

3. My students performing practical activities in groups
Meeting the Needs of all learners
To develop critical thinkers and creativity in learners, the multiple intelligence of my learners is
considered and because majority of them are visual and auditory learners, I allow learning in
groups by use of PowerPoint presentation of the content to cover. CD’S and Videos of the lesson
are watched by learners and time is given to them to share ideas to prepare them for any form of
assessment. Learners become intrinsically motivated by working on their own whiles mediating,
facilitating and guiding them through lessons. Different learning methods are used based on the
content of lesson. Jensen (2005, p.117) explained that by varying the learning resources available
and by providing access to information or tools gives learners the way to construct their own
ideas, skills and knowledge.
Important issues in Education.
I am a teacher who accepts the idea of zero tolerance in schools and classroom when referring to
illegal drugs, alcohol use and weapons. I also belief that the only solution to ensure discipline at
school and education, is having a better educational interventions to prevent the incidence of

4. weapons and drugs on school campus. Skiba (2014) emphasized the shift from being punitive
and destructive to learners’ life. I belief in taking more corrective measures in changing the
learner to be a good person who can add value to the society. I belief in talking more with my
learners to prevent the incidence of drug use where in some cases, resource personnel in
counselling would be invited to assist.
Finally, I see myself as a teacher who is a mediator, facilitator, motivator, mentor and role model
to my learners and to make a greater positive influence in the life of the 21st century learner
whom I have high expectation for them to achieve to greater heights in the educational ladder.
Reference
Lickona, T. (1991).Educating for character: How our schools can teach respect and
responsibility. (pp.3, 75, 187) New York, N.Y: Bantam Books.
Jensen, E. (2005). Teaching with the brain in mind. (2nd Ed.).(pp.18-19,117) Alexandria,
VA: ASCD
Rodriguez, E.R. & Bellanca (2007).What is it about me you can’t teach? An instructional
guide for the urban educator. (2nd Ed). (pp.13-15) Thousand Oaks, California.
Corwin Press.
Skiba, R. (2014). Beyond zero tolerance: Achieving a balance in school discipline.
Retrieved from: www.edutopia.org/blog/zero-tolerance-US-balanced-school-
discipline-russ-skiba