Debra+E

===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 everyone has the ability to learn but not always the willingness. There are many obstacles that get in the way of education but with determination and perseverance anyone (not age specific) can learn. As an educator I find it a great challenge to figure out ways that someone learns best and try to present information for them to be successful.**

===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: I most agree with the philosopher Johann Pestalozzi. I like that he didn't believe in lectures instead he used hands-on activities. When I was teaching younger students and not adults this is when I would see the most learning. I usually took a facilitator approach and did monitoring while the students were teaching each other through discovery. Now that I teach adults technology I see them learning and remembering more when I let them practice and play with the technology instead of telling/lecturing about something new. I also agreed with his believe that learning was supported from the home. I see this with my own children when I compare them to my siblings and how they are raising their children. Education is super important in my home and I don't see my siblings stressing the importance like I do. Their children have a different view of education than my children.**

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

 * START HERE: I disagree most with Herbert Spencer. I think because I believe that everyone given the proper support and patience can be successful. I don't like that he believes one should only be shown what they can use to be successful in life. There are many things I have learned since my formal education ended that I have discovered I am interested in. My teachers/home prepared me for life long learning and that has lead to many new discoveries.**

===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: Yes I believe a teacher should have a philosophy of education. Although as a former classroom teacher I don't think I knew I had a philosophy until years after I had been teaching. Sometimes it takes stepping out of the box before you critically examine your philosphy. I do believe that a teacher should share their philosophy especially with their principal. Many principals have a clear vision of what kind of teachers they want working at their school. As a parent I sometimes wish I had more of a say so in which teacher my own children get in school although I think it helps them prepare for life and others points of view when they are exposed to lots of "different" philosophies. Sometimes it does not make for a fun year at home :-) but it does allow for personal growth for my children and lots of support from home. Which goes back to Pestalozzi's philosophy.**