A Teaching Reflection: My Personal Teaching Philosophy and Beliefs
“It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.”
-Albert Einstein
Teaching is a wonderful, remarkable, joyful craft and it is how I define myself. As a teacher of over 15 years, I strive to engage, motivate and inspire all of my students that enter my classroom in all of my courses. In my philosophy, I strongly feel it is my role to teach my students in-depth content knowledge using a variety of instructional methods, to create a respectful learning climate and to foster student connections. These three aspects of teaching are vitally important to becoming a successful teacher that has the ability to impact many lives. When students feel my passion and love for my subject area, I believe it inspires growth, nurturing and development in their learning. This is my calling and my most treasured achievement.
In my field of Physical Education and Health Education, I am a continual learner of the latest in-depth content knowledge. Through constantly learning new trends, theories, methods, the most current research or attending seminars, conferences or webinars and networking with other professionals in my area, I am regularly accessing additional information to bring into my classroom. This helps keep my curriculum fresh, cutting edge and updated with the newest findings in the field. In order to meet the needs and challenges of each student, I implement instructional methods including lectures, teacher facilitated class discussion, small group work assignments, panels, presentations, guest lecturers, the use of technology and other means of differentiated instruction into my classroom. In addition, I encourage higher-level critical thinking and problem solving skills through role-playing, research article comprehension, direct questioning, peer group work and assessments.
Besides having a thorough understanding of physical education and health, I believe it is my job as a teacher to create a respectful learning climate for my students. I set the tone of my classroom as an informal, approachable, safe one where student expression, the exchanging of ideas, maximal student learning and student enjoyment are at the forefront. It is my hope that students feel comfortable to push themselves to a higher level of thinking, learning and understanding.
I make it a primary objective to make meaningful student connections. I learn student names and make it a point to learn about their individual needs, goals, obstacles and their feelings about physical education and health. I want to help every student succeed in my classroom. Through creating a positive, kind, and enthusiastic relationship with each of my students, I am able to create open lines of communication for learning.
Moreover, students have indicated that SPRT 3545/MMPE 5545:Applied Exercise Physiology class has been taught in an “active and fun” way. I appreciate this student commentary because it depicts student connection, enjoyment and participation. In addition, another student mentioned how this class has allowed him/her to “eat healthy and take care of their body.” This feedback allows me to reflect on my best teaching practices and improve class content, instruction and assessment. I continually strive to make my class information, delivery and environment better. Overall, students seem pleased with this class.
As I move forward in my teaching, I have three primary focus points to improve my classes. First, I would like to utilize the "flipped" classroom instructional strategy where content is taught online and in-class time is focused on experiential learning and is activity-based. Second, I would like to investigate new ways for students to translate theory, knowledge and information into practice. Meaningful, thoughtful application is key to continual learning. Lastly, I would like to continue to develop teachable moments for my students where they reflect, analyze, synthesize and evaluate class material. All of these methods are ways in which I can make my teaching better.
Again, as I mentioned earlier, it is my calling to help grow, nurture and develop every student who enters my classroom in both the areas of health and physical education. I openly root for their achievements and accomplishments and want to be part of the equation that helped their success. I am a teacher of physical education and health but also am committed to the process of teaching as a journey that guides students in the classroom and skillsets far beyond.