Core Values and Vision:
In considering the nature of our world, I believe that people are basically good and that our society would be improved if cooperation was encouraged more than competition. Within our world, there is much diversity which should be celebrated. It is impossible to know or experience everything in one lifetime; therefore, taking advantage of the diversity that exists among us by learning in cooperation with others is essential for maximum learning. Further, I believe that success is not defined by our occupation, monetary worth, or social status, but rather in how we treat others. Those who are truly successful in this life are those who are respectful, kind, and considerate of others.
Purposes of Education:
I see the main function of education to be developing an individual’s intellect, borrowing David Wechsler’s definition of intelligence as the capacity of an individual to act purposefully, think rationally, and deal effectively with one’s environment. Education for adults should enhance one’s experiences in all aspects of their life, whether it is work, family, recreation, religion, etc. Education assists individuals in developing their mind and reaching their personal potential. As such, education is not a commodity that should be consumed in moderation. The more education one can obtain the better. Learning is a lifelong process that is never finished.
Currently, our educational system is set up in a way that perpetuates the class distinctions that are already present in our society. Those who already have more resources are able to take advantage of more educational opportunities than those without the same resources to begin with. While I am unsure of how to alter our educational system to provide equal opportunities for education, I believe that we should be looking for a way to move in this direction. Education should be a right for all, not a luxury for a few.
Beliefs about Adults as Learners
What is unique about adult education (as opposed to pre-K or K-12 education) is that more often than not, adults seek out educational opportunities voluntarily. They may seek out educational opportunities that will help them to advance in their career or for a variety of other reasons, but whatever the reason for seeking out the educational opportunity, they have made the choice on their own. This contributes to an important aspect of learning which is that the learner takes personal responsibility for their learning.
As an educator, it is important to ensure that the learning is relevant to the learner’s lives. Learners will be more motivated to learn when they can see the connections between the learning and their current experience or future experiences. In addition, I also feel that it is important for adult learners to have a beginner’s mind. While adults have had more experiences than younger learners, there is always something new to be learned. Adult learners should be open to considering different perspectives and be willing to question their assumptions.
Curriculum and Knowledge
As previously discussed, adult education should enhance every aspect of the adult’s life. As such, the curriculum selected for adult learning should be driven by the learner’s needs. Educators must learn about their students, find out what they expect to learn, and consider the best ways to achieve this desired learning.
In my teaching, I do not intend to present information as the absolute truth. Rather, I intend to teach what Dewey would term “regulative principles.” Learners will be encouraged to question what they think they know and will be given the freedom to assign their own meaning to what is learned.
Beliefs about Teaching
I believe strongly in the value of cooperative learning. Because there is so much diversity among us, we should utilize this diversity as much as possible in our learning. By drawing upon the knowledge and experiences of all who are involved will maximize learning and understanding.
It is also important to take into consideration the various learning styles of our learners. In order to meet the needs of all of our students, we should use a variety of teaching methods, including the use of technology in our teaching. This will keep learners interested and engaged in learning.
2 comments:
Hi Bonnie,
this is a great start to your paper. Just a couple of ideas and thoughts.
Core values and vision: you have room to develop your vision a bit more. What you have is a great start but could describe more fully the type of world you would like to live in. (love for dogs, food for all, etc.)
Purposes: great start here. Again room for a bit more development of what development of potential could look like (just work-related skills, spirituality, relationships, etc.). The part about access might fit better in your vision section or in a separate section since it isn't directly a purpose of education. But see where it fits best for you.
Learners: I'll be handing out a prompt sheet tonight with some more questions. This section can be more descriptive about what you believe about how learners are, rather than how you would prefer them to be. What you have there is a good start. The section on relevancy to learners' lives might fit better in curriculum or pedagogy sections since it pertains more to the act of teaching than who/what the learner is.
Good start on the curric and ped sections. Again, with your background, I would expect more depth in these sections. Can you name a specific context in which you will be/hope to teach? If so, it might make it a bit easier to concretize and expand these sections (your purposes too could be connected to a specific context after the great general opening you have in that section). This isn't required if you don't yet know where you'd like to teach, but it could help if you have an idea rather than trying to speak to all teaching/learning situations.
Again, great start and I look forward to reading the next draft. You have a solid foundation here and it is well-written. Peggy
Curriculum
Reply Bonnie’s First Draft-
Ralph Bartlett
You seem to have a strong consensus on your philosophy. I feel that you are well on your way. Here are a couple of observations that I had.
In your core values, you talk that people are basically good. For many in the business world and life in general, competition is what drives success. I agree with the need to “celebrate” diversity, but I would also challenge the notion that completion is bad. Some of man’s greatest accomplishments have been derived from striving to succeed, during healthy competition.
Under Curriculum and Knowledge you talk of the addressing the need of the learner. In an environment of self improvement, I agree. The lessons being taught should represent the desires and passion of those in attendance. My question to you would address the work environment. How does your philosophy deal with materials that are being dictated by the employer? It may not be what the learner would want to gain as knowledge, but it could be a requirement from the “boss”.
In your Beliefs about Teaching I think you are on the right path. For true learning to take place the learner needs to be fully engaged. It is the responsibility of the Instructor to make it a rewarding atmosphere of learning. My take would be that although technology is great and offers a wide range of opportunities to enhance the learning experience, it is not a cure all. A knowledgeable and experienced Instructor can drive greater results than that of the latest technology.
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