Running head: PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY

Personal Philosophy
Crystal Conner
EDU 321
June 15, 2015
Donald Davidson

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Personal Philosophy
Abstract

This paper will focus on classroom management, explaining why there is a need for it,
what should be considered when developing a personal philosophy for it, among many other
things. The top five learning theories are listed and are described in simple details. When
creating a classroom management plan, the most important thing to keep in mind is the students.
Classroom management
Classroom management is a key factor to the success of any classroom. When a
classroom is managed correctly, it creates a positive environment where the students feel safe,
secure, and loved, as well as allows them to learn and grow as a community. It is extremely
important to have a classroom management for a diverse group of learners because all students
deserve a safe and nurturing environment. Students will only learn if they feel comfortable in the
classroom and they will only feel comfortable if there are procedures and rules that diminish
behavioral issues and make the class run smoothly and easily.
Developing a personal philosophy
There are many things a teacher should consider when developing a personal philosophy
for classroom management. Some of these things include the type of learning theories that will
be applied as well as ways to effectively promote positive behavior and the students needs. The
five main learning theories are Behaviorism, Cognitivism, Constructivism, Experientialism, and
the Social and Contextual theory.
Behaviorism
The key principle of Behaviorism is the reward or punishment of a new behavior. The
theory states that rewarding someone for a particular behavior encourages her or him to behave

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in the same way in a similar situation. The reward reinforces behavior. Conversely, if behavior is
punished, the person is less likely to repeat that action.
Cognitivism
Cognitivism proposes that learning comes from mental activity such as memory,
motivation, thinking, and reflection. Cognitivists believe that learning is an internal process that
depends on the learners capacity, motivation, and determination. In cognitivism, learning is the
process of connecting pieces of knowledge in meaningful and memorable ways.
Constructivism
Constructivism requires self-regulation and the building of conceptual structures through
reflection and abstraction. With the constructivist theory, the learner takes an active role in
constructing his or her own understanding rather than receiving it from someone who knows.
Experientialism
Experientialists believe that people learn from experience and describe learning as a cycle
of stages. Learners have to do something, think about it, pull out its key points, and apply to
work or life.
Social and Contextual Theory
In the social and contextual approach to learning, the outcome is for the learner to
become socially accepted and to be an effective member within a community. It also states that
learning does not occur solely within the learner, but in the group and community in which they
work.
My Beliefs
I think that my beliefs align mostly with Behaviorism, but also with Cognitivism and the
Social and Contextual theory. They all have great points, but in my opinion, none of them could

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stand on their own. I plan to utilize many of them when planning for classroom management. I
relate mostly to Behaviorism because I completely agree that rewarding student with positive
reinforcements will encourage them to repeat an action and vice versa, disciplining them will
encourage them not to do something again. This will impact my classroom management
significantly.
Diverse Student Population
Each year classrooms across the United States are becoming more and more diverse, so
teachers should consider this diversity when planning for classroom management. Adverse
populations mean you may not be able to plan for every type of situation and may have to change
things along the way. Something that can be helpful is teachers would get to know each and
every one of the students and their families on a personal level.
Implications
My philosophy will fit my teaching style and will help me develop my own classroom
management plan. The implications it will have on the students will be a variety of things from
the rules and procedures they will have to abide by to what seating arrangements will be used,
whether groups, pairs, or individual, to how personal they will connect to me. My personal
philosophy will allow me to create a positive environment where all students feel welcomed and
are appreciated. Although as a future educator, I realize that I may have to adjust my
management styles because all students are different. The goal is to keep the students safe and
focused on learning.

Summary

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There are many different teaching styles to draw on, but in the end the only thing that
matters should be the students. A teacher will do what needs to be done to impact each and every
students life in a positive way and give them the drive and passion to reach their goals.

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References

Colson, B. (2013). Classroom management plans. Retrieved from

http://www.edutopia.org/groups/classroom-management/640101
Reeve, C. (2012). Play with learning. Retrieved from http://playwithlearning.com