Teaching Philosophy Summary - Oct 2021

TEACHING PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT
Definition of Teaching Philosophy:

Teaching philosophy (TP) could be defined in various ways. But
for this exercise it has been defined as an expression of one’s
values and beliefs about teaching and learning. One notable
characteristic of the TP is that; it is intrinsically personal. It is an
inner statement through which one expresses his or her values
and beliefs to an outer and wider audience that might want to
know about him/her in relation to his/her profession, in this
case teaching.
In the teaching philosophy statement one discusses how one’s
values and beliefs about teaching fit into the context of one’s
discipline.
When one writes one’s philosophy statement, the key point is
to do so in the first person, and convey a professional tone.
All arguments should be supported by evidence and/or
theories, principles, laws.
WHY TEACHING PHILOSOPHY?

As a teacher you need to have “affinity for helping others solve
problems or understand and appreciate an activity or topic
which previously they had dismissed” (Martha J. Reineke, 2013)
Teaching is all about sharing - the best way one knows how and
teaching philosophy is central to the work of a teacher. For
instance the goals, objectives, teaching strategies, selection and
TEACHING PHILOSOPHY SUMMARY - OCT 2021Page 1
utilization of instructional materials are largely influenced by
one’s TPS.
Teaching Philosophy should encourage teachers to:
1. Be accommodative of variant ideas, beliefs, abilities,

mores & practices- see the world from other people’s
perspective. This is inclusive education
2. Always engage & most importantly “stretch” their
students. Learners achieve more where they are given
challenging activities… Stretching brings growth.
3. Be the managers & facilitators of the learning process:
 Create a community of learners - whereby the tutor
and the tutees are partners, but the former assuming
a supporting role.
 Promote active learning ; teach less and allow
learners to explore more.
4. Work with each student to assess their entry behaviors –
Thorndike’s (law of readiness):
 Establish their initial strengths and weaknesses,
 Work-out a plan for growth, by following that
individualized educational plan (IEP) at each
student’s ability, pace and space.
 Encourage learners not to compete with each other;
rather, they should compete with their last mark, for
their personal growth.

GUIELINES FOR PRODUCING AN EFFECTIVE TEACHING
PHILOSOPHY
1) Objectives: Be clear about why and what you want to

achieve. Concise and comprehensive objectives guide all
aspects of your teaching Philosophy
2) Your concept of learning: what in your view is meant by
learning in your discipline? What happens in a successful
learning situation? You should focus on what constitute
learning in your discipline.
3) Your concept of teaching: what is teaching to you? What do
you consider to be an effective teaching? What are the tents of
effective teaching?
4) Your concept of an efficient learner: What are your views of
an efficient learner? What are the characteristics of an efficient
learner and their influence on his or her success?
5) Your concept of an effective teacher: what are your views of
an effective teacher? What role does an effective teacher play
in a learning environment? What are the characteristics of an
effective teacher and their influence on the success of the
learners?
6) Your goals and expectations of learners – teacher
relationship: what skills should pupils acquire as a result of
your teaching? You may think about your ideal learner and
what outcomes of your teaching would be in terms of this
learner’s knowledge or behavior. What type of learner teacher
interactions do you anticipate would bring about attainment of
the goals?

7) What are your views on Instructional Materials (IMs): What
role(s) do IMs play in your teaching subject? Which criteria do
you consider critical when selecting and utilizing IMs in your
lessons? In this digital era, life-long learning and knowledge-
based economy, what kind of skills, attitudes and values would
you want your learners to possess?
8) Your teaching methods and evaluation: what teaching

methods do you consider useful in attaining your teaching
goals? How do these teaching methods link-up with the
cognitive learning theories? What assessment techniques do
you consider effective?
GUIDELINES ADAPTED FROM:CENTER FOR EDUCATIONAL INNOVATION
Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost

University Office Plaza, Suite 400
2221 University Ave SE, Minneapolis, 55414
P: 612-625-3041 | [email protected]

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TEACHING PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT

Definition of Teaching Philosophy:

WHY TEACHING PHILOSOPHY?

Teaching Philosophy should encourage teachers to:

1. Be accommodative of variant ideas, beliefs, abilities,

TEACHING PHILOSOPHY SUMMARY - OCT 2021Page 2

1) Objectives: Be clear about why and what you want to

TEACHING PHILOSOPHY SUMMARY - OCT 2021Page 3

8) Your teaching methods and evaluation: what teaching

GUIDELINES ADAPTED FROM:CENTER FOR EDUCATIONAL INNOVATION

Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost

TEACHING PHILOSOPHY SUMMARY - OCT 2021Page 4

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