Four Teaching Philosophies

The idealist perspective of teaching stresses that reality exists within the mind and that reflection on these externalized ideas results in understanding. Idealist instructors consider students to be responsible and capable of directing their own educational trajectories, however teachers with this philosophy prefer the use of lecture, reflection, and discussion to develop understanding.

            Realism inhabits a much more physical plane of philosophy where the physical is considered reality, that which is quantifiable has intrinsic value. Realist instructors prefer the uncover causation, and instruction in practical skills, and their classrooms typically appear to be very teacher centered.

            Pragmatists exist on a very fluid spectrum of teaching philosophy, the central and often reoccurring theme states that ideas, and all other things are dynamic, they are always growing or changing. Pragmatic instructors are highly student centered and thrive in democratic situations where their students can take the reins of the classroom. Pragmatic teachers above all teach students to improve themselves, and how to live and thrive within a democratic society, and support inquiry based education as a means to uncover these truths,

            Existential instructors apply added emphasis on student responsibility, stating that self-discovery is the best means to achieving personal responsibility. Existentialism is highly tailored and individualized to students, so no two student’s curriculum may look the same, but this ties in directly with the strong sense that self-discovery results in true understanding.

            I am entirely certain of my own pragmatic personality, it essential manifests itself in every imaginable aspect of my life. I highly value inquiry as a tool for learning and I strongly believe that most problems have a contextually relevant solution that can be ascertained through inquiry. I am very open to change and new ideas and am willing to change my opinion based on new information. My purest belief in education is that it is a tool to be used to improve our students an prepare them for life in a democratic society where they can be active and flourish.