Teaching philosophy
The teaching philosophy of a candidate for an academic position, sometimes referred to as a teaching philosophy statement, is a written statement of the candidate's general personal views on teaching. Colleges and universities that advertise a position whose duties require teaching often require the applicant to submit a teaching philosophy with the application. Teaching philosophy statements are becoming increasingly required in the attainment of teaching positions.[1] Teaching philosophy statement often attempts to express what methods of teaching the candidate practices and what educational styles they intend to make use of.[1] Teaching philosophy statements are generally reviewed and updated as educators gain more experience to reflect their current views and beliefs.[2]
Content
The teaching philosophy can cover a substantial amount of material within a single page, which is a common length for the written statement. A writer may include their own teaching experiences or dedication to learning.[3] They may also describe their beliefs around education, including the values they hold and models they intend to follow.[3] Teaching philosophies often share why the individual wishes to teach, and what motivates them to pursue a career in education.[4] Written teaching philosophies may be customized to be more specific to the field one intends to teach.[2]
Study
Written teaching philosophy statements may be informed by existing pedagogical research and theory; an early example of such a book is The Philosophy of Teaching by Arnold Tompkins.[5] Books, articles, and research on pedagogy can offer a foundation upon which aspiring educators can form their own beliefs and values.
References
- Hegarty, Niall, C. (2015). "The growing importance of Teaching Philosophy Statements and what they mean for the future: why Teaching Philosophy Statements will affect you". Journal of Adult Education. 44: 4 – via EBSCO Host.
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: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - Zauha, Janelle (2009-04-07). "The Importance of a Philosophy of Teaching Statement to the Teacher/Librarian". Communications in Information Literacy. 2 (2): 64. doi:10.15760/comminfolit.2009.2.2.58. ISSN 1933-5954.
- Eierman, Robert J. (2008-03-01). "The Teaching Philosophy Statement: Purposes and Organizational Structure". Journal of Chemical Education. 85 (3): 336. doi:10.1021/ed085p336. ISSN 0021-9584.
- Hegarty, Niall C.; Silliman, Benjamin Rue (Fall 2016). "How to Approach Teaching Philosophy Statements as Career Mission Statements". Journal of Business and Educational Leadership. 6 (1): 12. ISSN 1948-6413 – via EBSCO Host.
- Tompkins, Arnold (1898). The Philosophy of Teaching. Ginn.