Philosophy: General Philosophy Statement > Philosophy on Teaching Social Studies > Curriculum Unit

A Personal Philosophy on Teaching Social Studies

My idea of the perfect teacher is one who inspires learning in addition to just relating the required facts. This concept is particularly important for the Social Studies teacher and requires a certain amount of creativity, enthusiasm, and motivation. Certainly, this is a tall order for anyone on a daily basis. However, considering that children are our future, the effort is worth it!

Hence, a teacher's personal philosophy of education is a critical element in his or her approach to guiding students along the path of enlightenment. Civics is an important part of most school's social studies curriculum. I believe that the teacher should act as a moral and intellectual role model for the students. American virtues such as respect for authority, perseverance, fidelity to duty, consideration for others, and practicality should be modeled. However, these virtues should also be included in all subject areas.

In addition, students often find it difficult to grasp the importance of studying history, anthropology, political science, and psychology to name a few of the social sciences. Therefore, it is my belief that the academic program should be rigorous for both slow and fast learners. It is hoped that when the student leaves the classroom, they will possess basic skills, an extensive body of knowledge, and practical minds to use their acquired knowledge throughout their lives.

However, student individualities must be respected and nurtured to achieve each student's fullest potential. I believe that students learn best through active interplay with others and that learning increases when engaged in activities that have personal meaning. I also believe that the environment of the classroom must consist of appropriate reinforcers to facilitate learning and establish acceptable behavior. By positive reinforcement, students will behave well toward one another, listen, and participate when needed. I believe that these tenets can be accomplished by:

• Demonstrating dependability, preparedness, and positive attitude.
• Designing lesson plans to arouse curiosity.
• Developing an enriching process of ongoing growth in meeting goals set to push the student to the next level of knowledge.
• Encouraging students to learn by doing and interacting with one another cooperatively.
• Encouraging student discussion, while fostering tolerance for others points of view.
• Tailoring the curriculum of students with special needs.
• Establishing firm rules of conduct with identified positive and negative reinforcements.
• Ensuring the environment is safe and characterized by care, concern, and connection.
• Providing accessability to students and/or parents for expressing cares or concerns.

Evidence Rationale Statement
Philosophy on Teaching Social Studies

The content philosophy statement reflects the type of role model I believe that a teacher should be to his or her students. In addition, this statement holds what I believe to be the key to student learning. The subject matter must have some type of personal meaning to the student. Finally, the most crucial aspect of this statement outlines the methods and means by which the content will be taught in an effort to make each lesson as meaningful as possible to the students.

Evidence meets standard: Philosophy 1.4

© 2000 by Barbara L. Wilt (Schoolmarm). All written material is protected by United States copyright laws and is not to be reproduced by any means without documented reference & credit provided to the author. The only exclusion applies to Lesson Plans & Classroom materials which are freely available for use by all without restrictions.