Courtney Runyon

My Philosophy of Education

Through my experience in education classes and clinical experience, I feel students

learn best by actively being involved and taking leadership in their own learning. When I

envision the kind of teacher I want to be, I will have a constructivist teaching style. I feel

students learn little to nothing from worksheets, “straight from the book” reading and

activities, and passively receiving information. Students need hands-on experiences and

opportunities to critically think in the classroom in order to make connections, find a

deeper meaning and purpose, and truly learn the content. Students need to lead their own

learning process and be provided with opportunities to work with and learn from their

peers. Students need to lead the learning in the class by exploring, communicating, working

together, and applying new concepts and ideas to their prior knowledge. Providing many

opportunities for critical thinking creates motivated and independent learners.

It is my belief that no one student is alike. Every student learns material in a

different way. Therefore, teachers need to present the content to meet the needs of every

individual. By doing this, I believe students will be motivated and engaged in their own

learning process. It is my belief that students cannot truly learn until they find their own

motivation.

From personal experience, I believe students are self-motivated and seek inner

gratification. External forces, such as rewards, do motivate students, but only short-term.

Students eventually become bored with material objects and find no purpose in trying to

receive them. Therefore, their motivation diminishes. I believe students seek approval and

Courtney Runyon

praise from their peers and teachers. This creates a sense of worth and accomplishment,

which we naturally crave as humans.

Furthermore, teachers should build a relationship with their students and be a

source of support, guidance, and a role model. Students should feel a sense of belonging in

the classroom and feel comfortable. Feeling secure in the classroom is essential in a

student’s learning capabilities. Students thrive in an organized and structured

environment, and high expectations reap positive results.

According to my education theory, I believe it is my job to help my students become

critical and creative thinkers, independent learners, and find self-motivation.