Danita+R

===PROMPT #1: Philosophy (the pursuit of wisdom by intellectual means and moral self discipline) and its practical applications to classrooms has been ongoing for more than 2,000 years. A person's philosophy of education is usually **__a set of beliefs that relate to who, what, how, and why people in society should be educated__**. Think about your philosophy of education and write your ideas below this prompt.=== (It can be as long or as short as you desire) Remember to SAVE when you are done, or every so often. To add more click the "Edit This Page" button at the top and click your cursor where you would like to type.
 * START HERE:** I believe that all students can learn. Teachers teaching styles continually change to match the learning styles of the students. All educators should be lifelong learners, not only in his/her subject area, but also in all subjects.

===PROMPT #2: Now that you have viewed the PowerPoint (found on the HOME page) and recorded some notes, __explain which philosopher(s) you most agree with and why__ (feel free to give examples and/or experiences.)===
 * START HERE:** The philosopher I most agree with is Johann Pestalozzi. Pestalozzi's main theory revolves around a central idea I truly believe. Pestalozzi stresses that "successful education depended on the security and support of the home and genuine affection in the classroom." I believe that if students were made to feel wanted at home and at school, educators would see exponential growth both academically and socially. Pestalozzi also believed that teachers should venture away from lecture only classrooms. I agree wholeheartedly with that concept. Students in the 21st century are capable of multi-tasking as never before. Education is in conflict with multi-sensory activities that the students are completing at home with their video games. As a teacher, I taught through student discovery. I often planted seeds and then allowed the students to discover the answer and to answer any further questions they might have.

PROMPT #3: Please explain which philosopher(s) you most disagree with and why (feel free to give examples and/or experiences.)

 * START HERE:** The philosopher I least agreed with was Herbert Spencer. Spencer coined the phrase "survival of the fittest". He was primarily concerned with the accumulation of scientific data and inductive reasoning. He also believed that students should only be exposed to the information that they can use in their lives. I am completely against this idea. I believe that students should be exposed to many diverse ideas and experiences. The more exposure that a student has, the broader their base of knowledge. I also disagree with the idea of evolution. I am more God centered than physical centered.

===PROMPT #4: Do you think having a philosophy of education is important for teachers these days, and if so should they share it with others (ie. students, parents, community)? Please explain your answer.===
 * START HERE: I don't believe that a formal philosophy of education is needed. I also believe that your philosophy is a living document that continuously changes as your teaching experience changes. The longer you teach, the more children you are exposed to teaching and interacting. Which in turn, exposes you to more learning styles and challenges. As a teacher overcomes these challenges, their philosophy changes. I have never spoken to a teacher that still believed in their original philosophy without changing it somewhat. Unless a teacher is stagnant, they are always growing and changing.**