MY PEDAGOGIC CREED

Introduction

I believe that an industrious teacher must possess a personal belief system regarding the

distinct aspects of education in order to teach revolutionary curriculum that will prepare students

to become functional members of society. By this I mean the primary role of an educator is to be

a facilitator of knowledge that will transcends the classroom. A teacher must employ student

centered materials and activities to engage and effectively educate students for their future roles

in a democratic society. I base these assumptions on the work of educational reformers including

John Dewey, Lev Vygotsky, and Alan Sadovnik.

What Education Is

I believe that education is a process that continually shapes the lives of students. By this I

mean the educational process enhances a students habits, beliefs, emotions, and intellect

(Dewey, 1897). Education trains students to have full access of their abilities in order to yield

socially competent individuals. True education produces external and internal results. Education

must be a student centered process in order to produce individuals that will positively change the

present society.

I believe that education is gained through experience and the environment in which one

resides. By this I mean a students prior knowledge and instincts give basis to the educational

process that is built upon throughout life (Dewey, 1897). Students are products of their race,

culture, and ethnicity. Each student is both a distinct individual and a member of a democratic

society. Both of these factors must be addressed in order to employ effective education.
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I believe that education occurs in both formal and informal settings. By this I mean the

educational process begins at childhood and is further expanded through schooling. I believe that

a mixture of both forms of education is vital for student achievement.

What the School is

I believe that the school is an embryonic community where students acquire life skills

from books, experiments, and standard curriculum (Sadovnik, 2103). By this I mean the school is

a social institution that provides students with applicable knowledge so they may further develop

Americas society. I base these assumptions on the philosophy of pragmatism that is thoroughly

described in the works of Alan Sadovnik

I believe the school is a necessity for society. By this I mean that the school is a

community in which students values and beliefs are depend as they undergo personal growth.

The content taught in school must first address students prior knowledge and experiences then

build upon this foundation for this growth to occur. In doing this, students will relate the

knowledge they gain to their personal backgrounds and former experiences. This growth is vital

because it gives students control of all their powers needed to become profitable members of

society.

I believe that a teachers role within the school is to be an influencer rather than a dictator

of the classroom. By this I mean a school must be student centered rather than teacher centered

for true learning to occur. Teachers must provide students with opportunities to explore the

world around them rather than maintain strictly controlled environments that hinder student

curiosity and engagement.

The Subject-Matter of Education

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I believe that the subject matter of education should not center on standard curriculum but

rather on the students social activities (Dewey, 1897). By this I mean that subject matter must

relate to a students social life in order for students to internalize the information presented.

Content should be student centered rather than textbook centered. A correlation between subjects

such as science, literature, social studies, etc. and a students life must be presented. Curriculum

should be taught through real world experiences in order for it to be relatable.

I believe that each subject area is relatable to a students social life and should be

presented in this way. By this I mean that subject matter provides an explanation and

understanding of experiences for students. For example, Science is the medium for which

students learn about their role in nature. Language is the medium for the communication of ideas

and feelings rather than a way of just simply getting information. History exhibits the growth of

social life rather than just an account of the distinct past. I base these assumptions on the work on

John Dewey.

The Nature of Method

I believe that students learn primarily through their actions. By this I mean that students

internalize and apply information obtained through active participation in the classroom.

Students truly learn through participating in activities rather than being passive observers in the

classroom. True learning occurs when students reflect on the information presented rather than

merely memorizing it. I base these assumptions on the theory of constructivism that is largely

influenced by Lev Vygotsky.

I believe that inquiry-based learning should be present in the classroom. By this I mean

the content taught in the classroom should reflect the interest of students. When a student is

interested in the material, they are engaged and curious which leads to true learning. To repress
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the interest of students is to make the classroom teacher centered rather than student centered

which is desired.

The School and Social Progress

I believe that the school regulates and organizes society. By this I mean that without

education, society is guided by chance and only through education can society grow positively

towards greater economy and efficiency. Schools should provide students with the tools

necessary to become affective members of society. This can only occur if students are given

information they can relate to and internalize, information that transcends the classroom.

I believe that becoming an educator is a calling upon an individuals life to be a societal

advocate. By this I mean education is a profession that has a direct impact on the future of

society. Teachers educate their students with the information needed to properly assimilate into

society and enhance it in every aspect.

Conclusion

I believe that extensively analyzing ones beliefs about the educational process is vital for

the success of future generations to come. Understanding ones core beliefs must occur before a

teacher can be effective. Teachers have a moral responsibly to prepare their students to be

effectual citizens. My goal, as a prospective teacher, is to provide my future students with a

strong educational foundation that can be built upon throughout life. I aspire to provide my

future students with information that is applicable beyond the classroom. I believe that education

is essential in the advancement of society.

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References

Dewey, J. (1897). My Pedagogic Creed. School Journal vol. 54 (January 1897), pp. 77-80.

Sadovnik, A.R., Cookson Jr., P.W., & Semel, S.F. (Eds.) (2013). Exploring education: An

th
introduction to foundations of education (4 ed.). New York, NY: Routledge:Taylor &

Francis Group.