What is a teaching philosophy/statement?
What is a teaching philosophy/statement?
What is a teaching philosophy/statement?
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
Teaching Philosophy<br />
Tiffany Turner (11/6/03)<br />
<strong>What</strong> <strong>is</strong> a <strong>teaching</strong> <strong>philosophy</strong>/<strong>statement</strong><br />
Above all, it <strong>is</strong> to reflect your personal values and the needs of your students and<br />
your department. It <strong>is</strong> an expression of individual values, personal v<strong>is</strong>ion of <strong>teaching</strong>, a<br />
critical rationale of <strong>teaching</strong>, a personal m<strong>is</strong>sion <strong>statement</strong>.<br />
It should be conc<strong>is</strong>e and clear for the sake of any reviewer.<br />
<strong>What</strong> should be the format of my <strong>philosophy</strong><br />
Answer 4 primary questions (Type 1):<br />
1) To what end Th<strong>is</strong> <strong>is</strong> the BIG Question<br />
a) <strong>What</strong> are your objectives as a teacher<br />
i) Should be achievable and relevant<br />
ii) Avoid vague and grandiose <strong>statement</strong>s<br />
2) By what means<br />
a) <strong>What</strong> methods will/do you use to achieve or work towards those objectives<br />
i) Explain specific techniques and strategies you have/will use(d)<br />
ii) Tie in to your objectives<br />
3) To what degree<br />
a) How do you intend to measure your effectiveness<br />
i) Student evaluations<br />
ii) Problem-solving skills (ability/performance based assessment)<br />
4) Why<br />
a) To you, what are the rewards of <strong>teaching</strong><br />
b) Why <strong>is</strong> <strong>teaching</strong> important to you<br />
c) Why do you want to make a difference in higher education and your students’<br />
lives<br />
Major components of a <strong>philosophy</strong> (Type 2):<br />
1) Conceptualization of learning<br />
i) <strong>What</strong> happens in a learning setting<br />
2) Conceptualization of <strong>teaching</strong><br />
i) How do I facilitate th<strong>is</strong> process as a teacher<br />
3) Goals for students<br />
i) <strong>What</strong> do you expect your students to obtain as the result of learning<br />
4) Implementation of the <strong>philosophy</strong><br />
i) How are you ideas transformed into classroom activities<br />
5) Professional growth plan<br />
i) How will you accompl<strong>is</strong>h your goals and how have you accompl<strong>is</strong>hed your<br />
goals in the past (short/long term goals)
Another structure (Type 3):<br />
1) Integration of responsibilities<br />
a. Teaching, research and public service are important- how will you carry<br />
out these responsibilities<br />
2) Expert<strong>is</strong>e<br />
a. How will you use your expert<strong>is</strong>e in <strong>teaching</strong> your students and how will<br />
you effectively communicate with your students<br />
3) Relationships<br />
a. How will you get to know your students and build a rapport with them<br />
(special techniques used)<br />
4) Learning environment<br />
a. How will you create a supportive environment (socially, psychologically,<br />
and physically) to help students learn<br />
5) Methods, strategies and innovation<br />
a. Use your <strong>statement</strong>s to reflect your <strong>teaching</strong> practice<br />
6) Outcomes<br />
a. How were students able to learn in previous situations<br />
Why do you need to develop a <strong>philosophy</strong><br />
1) Personal purpose<br />
i) A clear picture of why you are doing what you are doing<br />
2) Political purpose<br />
i) A sense that your position <strong>is</strong> grounded in a well-developed and carefully<br />
conceived <strong>philosophy</strong> of practice<br />
3) Professional Purpose<br />
i) A commitment to a shared rationale for <strong>teaching</strong> <strong>is</strong> important for the<br />
development of a collective identity<br />
4) Pedagogical purpose<br />
i) <strong>What</strong> effect are you having on students and their learning<br />
<strong>What</strong> good are they<br />
1) For teachers themselves<br />
i) Examine and articulate your goals. A clear v<strong>is</strong>ion provides stability,<br />
continuity and long term guidance.<br />
2) For admin<strong>is</strong>trators<br />
i) A benchmark for professional growth and development. Will you fit in with<br />
their beliefs<br />
3) For students<br />
i) They should understand what you are doing and why
There <strong>is</strong> no right or wrong way in putting together a <strong>philosophy</strong>. But<br />
here are some general guidelines<br />
1) Should be brief- 1-2 pages<br />
2) Favor language and concepts that are broadly appreciated (chem<strong>is</strong>ts may not be the<br />
only one reading your portfolio)<br />
3) First person narrative<br />
4) Should be reflective and personal<br />
5) Representation of your experience and practice<br />
6) Showcase for you strengths<br />
Advice on writing a <strong>philosophy</strong><br />
1) Books on <strong>teaching</strong> and learning<br />
2) Teaching and learning centers<br />
3) Talking with professors<br />
4) Read <strong>teaching</strong> <strong>statement</strong>s<br />
5) Share and critique<br />
6) Be informed about your audience<br />
Taken from:<br />
Center for Teaching Excellence (Iowa State)<br />
www.cte.iastate.edu/tips/<strong>philosophy</strong>.html<br />
CETal (UTEP)<br />
www.utep.edu/cetal/portfoli/philos.htm<br />
FTAD (Ohio State)<br />
www.acs.ohio-state.edu/education/ftad/portfolio/<strong>philosophy</strong>/index.htm<br />
Great article on <strong>statement</strong>s (Goodyear and Allchin)<br />
www.utep.edu/cetal/pub/stofteac.html<br />
Brian Coppola- writing a <strong>statement</strong> of <strong>teaching</strong> <strong>philosophy</strong><br />
www.google.com/searchq=cache:i8heiGIaS_gJ:www.mildredelley.com/Library/pdf/<strong>teaching</strong>Philosophy.pdf+www.mildredelley.com/Library/+pdf/<strong>teaching</strong>Philosophy.pdf&hl=en&ie=UTF-8