My philosophy of education
I believe that we have a responsibility to pass on our knowledge and skills to others, in particular the young. I find great joy in seeing the sponge-like minds of the young grasp and grow ideas given to them for consideration. I want to make a positive difference for as many young people and children as I can. And, being around young people is fun.
Teaching and learning are all part of a big loop. One who teaches, if they are doing it the right way will also be learning. Those who are learning are also then teaching. This is a precious connection between a teacher and a student that if handled correctly can be one of the most important and forming relationships for a young person.
Good teachers are those who teach selflessly and with great dedication and commitment. There must be a sense of joy and happiness in the learning environment. If this is put in place by the teacher is will be contagious and the whole class can embrace it. Teachers must look at each individual student and each class as holistically as possible. Each student and each group of students is unique and must be nurtured encouraged to grow.
The main pedagogy I am drawing from is the Waldorf method of education. This is based on the teachings and writings of Rudolf Steiner and outlines three main stages in childhood development that unfold in seven-year cycles. In each of the stages one of the three principals of thinking, feeling and willing plays a dominant role. The first stage from birth to age seven is characterised by the development of the will. From seven to 14 years the feeling element of the child or young person is most influential. During the third stage from 14 to 21 years the capacity for intellectual thought matures
Big Picture Education Australia is a relatively new program in Australia, although it has been successfully implemented in many other countries. I have begun to be involved in this program and one of the things I find refreshing and really positive is that is another education stream now available to young Australians that doesn’t go down the path of mainstream education. It too recognises that arguable most children and young people in Australia are not given the opportunity to grow and learn to their full potential in State, Catholic or other mainstream independent schools.
I am interested in finding out more about the Learning Choices program, which offer learning experiences to enable young people whatever their abilities, backgrounds or personal circumstances. Not all children / young people learn the same way and many of their needs can best be met in alternative schools.
I love the idea of ‘looping’, where a teacher stays with a class for several years, usually from their first year at school until they enter high school. I would like my classroom to be a welcoming place with lots of art, craft and nature in it. It would have wooden desks and chairs, big windows and trees outside. A blackboard with chalk and dusters. A Steiner school would be the perfect vehicle for all of this and I look forward to the opportunity to take up a role in one of these schools. I have loved doing my practical placements there.
I want children/young people to remember me as someone who helped and nurtured, allowing them to find their true path in life.
Teaching and learning are all part of a big loop. One who teaches, if they are doing it the right way will also be learning. Those who are learning are also then teaching. This is a precious connection between a teacher and a student that if handled correctly can be one of the most important and forming relationships for a young person.
Good teachers are those who teach selflessly and with great dedication and commitment. There must be a sense of joy and happiness in the learning environment. If this is put in place by the teacher is will be contagious and the whole class can embrace it. Teachers must look at each individual student and each class as holistically as possible. Each student and each group of students is unique and must be nurtured encouraged to grow.
The main pedagogy I am drawing from is the Waldorf method of education. This is based on the teachings and writings of Rudolf Steiner and outlines three main stages in childhood development that unfold in seven-year cycles. In each of the stages one of the three principals of thinking, feeling and willing plays a dominant role. The first stage from birth to age seven is characterised by the development of the will. From seven to 14 years the feeling element of the child or young person is most influential. During the third stage from 14 to 21 years the capacity for intellectual thought matures
Big Picture Education Australia is a relatively new program in Australia, although it has been successfully implemented in many other countries. I have begun to be involved in this program and one of the things I find refreshing and really positive is that is another education stream now available to young Australians that doesn’t go down the path of mainstream education. It too recognises that arguable most children and young people in Australia are not given the opportunity to grow and learn to their full potential in State, Catholic or other mainstream independent schools.
I am interested in finding out more about the Learning Choices program, which offer learning experiences to enable young people whatever their abilities, backgrounds or personal circumstances. Not all children / young people learn the same way and many of their needs can best be met in alternative schools.
I love the idea of ‘looping’, where a teacher stays with a class for several years, usually from their first year at school until they enter high school. I would like my classroom to be a welcoming place with lots of art, craft and nature in it. It would have wooden desks and chairs, big windows and trees outside. A blackboard with chalk and dusters. A Steiner school would be the perfect vehicle for all of this and I look forward to the opportunity to take up a role in one of these schools. I have loved doing my practical placements there.
I want children/young people to remember me as someone who helped and nurtured, allowing them to find their true path in life.