ED 200 Teaching as a Profession--Brother Chandler

NAME:
Julia Gleason

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS (Part 2)

Thoughtfully consider each of the following ‘​Essential Questions’​ that educators ponder.
Respond to each question with a 1 paragraph (5-7 sentences) written reflection. After each
response, identify which philosophies and/or learning theories most strongly influences your
response.

1.​ ​ ​How do I view those that I teach?

It is so important to view others, especially those I teach, as people. They are not objects or
means to an end. They should be treated with love and respect. They are individual agents
that I am guiding. Students have enormous potentials and should be guided to reach them.
My students are not the source of my pay. Rather, students are human beings with feelings
and abilities that have a need for autonomy.

Philosophies and/or Learning Theories:

Existentialism, Constructivism

2.​ ​What is my work as a teacher​?

My work as a teacher is not to be a boss. It is not to be all powerful and controlling. My job
is not to get recognition. I am an advocate for the students. My job is to teach respect, and
one of the best ways to do so is to give respect. My job is to guide students and teach them
how to learn. My goal is not to be better than them, but rather to share knowledge with them
and help them to become the best they can be. Part of becoming the best they can be is
helping them to build character; including being able to make sound decisions and have
integrity. They should be guided to help them to become better agents not only for
themselves, but so that they can also make a difference in the world.

Philosophies and/or Learning Theories:

Pragmatism, Idealism
3.​ ​What is worth teaching?

Anything that is truth is worth teaching. However, this truth needs to be taught in a way that
is developmentally appropriate. Anything that will help the students is worth teaching; this
means anything that is in the students zone of proximal development that will help them to
grow and become better people. If a student is not yet able to understand a concept, efforts
should be made to help the student eventually be ready to understand it. Most importantly,
character the worth teaching, along with the love of learning.

Philosophies and/or Learning Theories:

Constructivism, Pragmatism

4.​ ​What is the role of schools?

The role of schools is to be a library of resources available to students. It should be a safe

zone full of opportunities. It should be a place that encourages learning, growth, and hard
work. Schools are places where students can get information to help them to grow and then
in turn, grow the world. Schools should have students as their first priority; above fame and
recognition. The students and their growth should always be considered when making
decisions.

Philosophies and/or Learning Theories:

Existentialism