Every student is an individual who brings different strengths, experiences, and personal needs to a classroom. As a teacher all of these should be aware to me by constant interaction, observation, engagement and assessments with each student, as well as communication with all of the students’ parents. Since all students have different learning needs it is unrealistic to teach to every student the exact same way and expect all students to learn. I believe that for all students to reach their own potential and become successful differentiation, both academically and behaviorally, is essential.
Being aware of the different learning needs of my students I will then be able to focus my teaching to meet those needs. Every student learns differently, therefore I need to incorporate different teaching methods to meet each student’s learning style. I will do this through continuous students’ assessments and reflective teaching. Some students require more behavior management and intervention than others. Students may exhibit similar behaviors, but behind each student’s behavior is an individual with and individual reason creating the behavior. Causes of behavior need to be known and taken into consideration when managing behavior. In most situations, parents have known their child longer and better than anyone. Communicating with parents is one of the best ways to know and become knowledgeable of a student in my classroom. I believe that from the first week of school, open communication between my student’s parents and me should develop. Communication should always include positive updates on students work and behavior within the classroom. Open and constant communication with parents will help support all students and their individual needs. Having parental support will help me fulfill my role as a teacher, which is to foster students’ learning. Before differentiation can be entirely effective a classroom community of learners needs to be established. The most important characteristic of this community is respect. There should be social respect between my students and me, social respect between all of the students in my class, as well as respect for the materials in the classroom. Every student should feel comfortable to share ideas with the whole class and not fear ridicule or rejection. As the teacher I set the atmosphere of the classroom. I believe that the best atmosphere for students to learn is a positive, encouraging, and helpful atmosphere. Teaching Philosophy |