Personal Philosophy of Teaching Assignment Directions
This week, you will develop your personal philosophy of teaching in a written statement, articulating your beliefs about important educational theories and practices. Your teaching philosophy should be based on what is meaningful to you in your approach to teaching.
Note: As your experiences and beliefs about teaching grow and change, your philosophy will also change. Therefore, at the end of this course, you will submit your revised teaching philosophy with a brief discussion of how your philosophy has changed or developed during this course.
There is no right or wrong way to write a personal teaching philosophy. However, for the purpose of this assignment, please follow the assignment guidelines below to connect your beliefs, goals, and strategies into a coherent approach to help students learn and grow.
Assignment Guidelines
Philosophy Paper Requirements
- The paper should be 2–4 pages, typed in Times New Roman using 12-point font, and double-spaced with 1″ margins.
- Use a first person narrative and present tense.
- Write sincerely, uniquely, and memorably. Avoid clichés, jargon, and technical terms.
- Include specific (not abstract) ideas, using 1–2 concrete examples, whether actual or anticipated experiences.
- Show humility and mention students enthusiastically.
- Include your conception of how learning occurs.
- Communicate your goals as an instructor.
- Include actual or anticipated teaching strategies and methods.
- Include justification for why you teach (or anticipate teaching) the way you do.
- Include a brief discussion of how your teaching (or anticipated teaching) facilitates student learning.
- Include a conclusion.
To assist you in developing your teaching philosophy, you may choose to include any or all of the following:
- Famous quotes
- Your personal experiences as a learner
- Your views of the educational system
- Your interest in new types of teaching and learning
- What you think students should expect from you as a teacher
- How you know your goals for students are being met
- How you create (or anticipate creating) an engaging or enriching learning environment, and specific activities or exercises to engage your students
