The most valuable aspect of learning for me is the opportunity for the development and self-actualization of students. There is a famous saying of Socrates: “I cannot teach anybody anything. I can only make them think” (as cited in Bowen, 2021). This philosophy is extremely close to me since I am sure that intellect consists of critical thinking and curiosity. Concrete facts apply to a limited number of situations, while ideas can be transformed and become the basis for something more. As an educator, I strive to give students access to the greatest number of diverse concepts, combining which they can build their personal systems of thinking.
Therefore, Humanistic Learning Theory most closely matches my personal ideology. This approach is based on the idea that humans have natural learning potential (Renger & Macaskill, 2021). In addition, the adherents of this theory believe that the greatest results can be achieved through learning through action and experience (Renger & Macaskill, 2021). However, it seems to me that the most valuable assumption is that self-initiated and self-directed learning facilitate growth to the greatest extent. I am sure that the teacher should celebrate the talents and abilities of students and help develop them, and not switch the focus of their attention to more conventional matters.
Within the framework of this approach, as a teacher, I see several key purposes for myself. First of all, my primary task is to determine the personal needs of students, which can form the basis of their learning process. Renger and Macaskill (2021) also note that learning how to learn is a key social skill in the modern world. Therefore, the utmost purpose of teaching for me is not teaching specific information but rather helping students develop the ability to research and analyze independently. So they can develop in those areas that seem to them the most interesting and significant, which will make their experience most useful in the future.
As an educator, I am guided by a number of key principles in my practice. First of all, I encourage communication between students in the classroom, which allows them not only to develop their communication skills but also to share opinions on the subject. Additionally, I strive to participate in extracurricular activities for students if they need help or participation, which helps me build more trusting relationships. Finally, I believe that it is necessary to be attentive to students’ problems and mark them in the classroom and try to help overcome them. I think these principles are fundamental to creating a comfortable learning environment in the classroom.
Fairness is the main property that should be the foundation of modern education. This concept provides equal opportunity, merit-based assessment, freedom of choice, and an adequate reward system (Smith et al., 2017). The desire to learn, in this case, should be proportional to how much effort the teacher spends on the student’s personal development. If I see that a student is eager to study a topic outside the classroom and develop his skills, then I cannot deny him support and guidance. Equity is the basic concept for achieving fairness in education. I believe that every student, regardless of socioeconomic status, developmental considerations, or ethnicity, should have equal access to learning.
In my opinion, the most appropriate learning strategies are based on the studying of ideas, combinations of different information mediums, and communication. Examining ideas that are not concrete facts allows students to connect them to their personal experiences. Therefore, it is also important to choose topics that may be close to them. Additionally, in the modern world, various means of presenting information are available, including video, which should be used as often as possible. Finally, interpersonal communication, which all people lack so much due to the difficult modern conditions, is necessary for students. They can exchange opinions and ideas, creating something new and interesting.
References
Bowen, J. A. (2021). Teaching change: How to develop independent thinkers using relationships, resilience, and reflection. Johns Hopkins University Press.
Renger, S., & Macaskill, A. (2021). Developing the foundations for a learning-based humanistic therapy. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 1-22. Web.
Smith, L. M., Todd, L., & Laing, K. (2018). Students’ views on fairness in education: The importance of relational justice and stakes fairness. Research Papers in Education, 33(3), 336-353. Web.