Voices

The first philosopher’s beliefs that stood out to me belonged to Socrates.  Similar to Socrates, I thoroughly believe that asking the right questions can draw answers out of students.  Socrates’s theories started the movement toward students discovering answers for themselves.  Although I’m not incredibly gun hoe about students working without guidance, I do think that by leading them in a certain direction with proper questions can lead to a very positive outcome. 

                Even though Booker T. Washington’s philosophy was mainly constructed to aid in the further develop of African Americans being integrated into the education system, I think some of his ideas can be implemented into my own classroom.  I think that it is very important for all students to learn to be self-reliance by the time they graduate.  Self-reliance is a concept that essentially allows American citizens to have freedom.  Without self-reliance, students will be forced into situations where they will not be able to take care of themselves or their families.

                Even though Froebel’s ideas are mainly centered on early childhood education, I’m still a strong believe in her view of the teacher.  Part of my strong Essentialist belief is that students need to learn the fundamentals in order to effectively learn in secondary education.  Froebel’s ideas focus on teaching those fundamental ideas at a young age in order to promote growth in her students.  The idea of growth is really what fuels my teaching philosophy.  If students some into the classroom six steps behind everyone else, it will be that much more difficult for them to catch up.