Theories & Theorists
My philosophy of education is based upon several different theorists and theories. Maslow, Gardner, and Heath all inspired my beliefs on teaching. Maslow's theory of basic needs is crucial and should be taken into account for the student to achieve academic success. The students' physiological needs of hunger, thirst and shelter are of upmost importance. The safety, belonging, affection, self-esteem and self- actualization follow the basic needs. By having a warm and inviting classroom, the students’ safety and belonging needs will be met and learning can be achieved. Academic achievement and positive behavior stem from the fulfillment of these needs (Levin & Nolan). My belief on respecting all cultures and backgrounds stems from the need to focus on the students' strengths and successes (Booker).
My belief that all students learn differently is stemmed from Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences. My classroom will encompass different intelligences. Incorporating different strategies and teaching methods into my lessons will allow my students to understand and grasp the material easily. Student's intelligences are not limited to just one intelligence, thus tudent's can use their intelligences to understand other subjects.
Creativity in the classroom is important in my beliefs as a teacher. Creativity engages students of different intelligences and helps students succeed academically. Shirely Brice Heath explains the need for creativity in literacy and mathematics to help students become more intrinsically motivated and more engaged in the lessons.
Levin,J., & Nolan, J.F. (2014). Principles of classroom management: A professional decision-making model. (7th ed.). Upper SAddle River, NJ: Pearson.
Booker, K. (2014).Student Needs and Misbehavior [PowerPoint slides]. Retrieved from College of Charleston OAKS https://lms.cofc.edu/d2l/le/content/100854/viewContent/1165607/View
Heath, S.B. (2014). Shirley Brice Heath. Retrieved from http://www.shirleybriceheath.net