The Social Significance of Education
Education is the intellectual and creative development of an individual's skills, knowledge,
and perspective. We should educate all children by providing them with an open, safe environment
where they can grow and mature, experimenting and studying the world in which we live at
multiple levels - the understanding of ourselves, of others, and of society and culture. An ideal
school curriculum would be written by the educational community - administration, teachers,
parents, and school board - building upon fundamental understandings that foster discovery and
creation. A school's focus should be to guide children and aid them in becoming independent, self-sufficient, aware adults in a global community with strong communication abilities. All members
of society would benefit from the education of our youth.
The Teacher and the Learner
My role as teacher is to help students develop their skills and talents and discover their
educational interests by feeding curiosity. My focus, as an educator, then becomes that of providing
children with the space, time, tools, and guidance needed for each learner to develop his or her
understanding and talents. As an educator, I strive to create a positive learning atmosphere by
differentiating classroom activities and scaffolding learning when necessary to assist students in
discovery analysis and connection-making. My role is to ask provocative questions, motivate, and
develop strengths and weaknesses with well-planned activities.
The role of the learner is to be an active participant in his or her own learning. The student
is encouraged to find ways to be a productive member of the classroom learning community,
participating in the designated learning activities, seeking ways to share his or her own experiences
and perspective, and adding to the educational environment with genuine interest and curiosity. It is
expected that the learner actively engages with his or her peers and be willing to work on all areas
of personal and academic development to meet self-made goals and challenges. The learner always
has the right to voice his or her opinion, to ask questions, and to know how he or she is being
evaluated.
Teaching and Learning
Learning can take on various forms and is not necessarily displayed similarly by all
individuals. I believe that most learning occurs through active engagement with a concept that adds
to a person's previous experience or understanding of the topic. Learning is fostered by both social
interaction and personal development. Students learn when they are able to conceptualize an idea
by a new or different means and when they are able to understand another's added or opposing
viewpoint. Learning is most effective when students feel safe, encouraged, and valued.
There is no one best teaching methodology that is appropriate for all students in all learning
environments. Rather, "good teaching" is a customized approach that centers on a particular group
or individual's learning needs and interests, maximizing student participation and active
involvement. Good teaching allows for flexibility and variability in lesson planning and learning
activities, recognizing the wide range of ability levels, learning styles, and personal experience/prior
knowledge of the class.
"Through learning language we learn about culture. Through learning culture we learn tolerance for others. Through learning tolerance for others we can hope for peace."
-- Unknown
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This website was designed, created, and written by Lisa Casarrubias.
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