My learning philosophy is quite simple, I believe all students have the ability to learn. However, my philosophy of all students having the ability to learn becomes more rigorous when the philosophy is expanded to include that all students can learn when the learning environment is student-centered. Meaningful instructional approaches to teaching all learning populations must encompass factors that encourage engagement, reflection, and individuality (Townsend & Townsend, 1992).
In student-centered environments boundaries are created that encourage passion and promote imagination that guide student learning. Practices such as differentiated instruction allow learning to occur for all students, regardless of their ability levels or learning style and must be provided for students to excel. Student-centered classrooms offer students the opportunity to learn in a natural and genuine manner.
The video Creative Thinking – How to get out of the box and generate ideas detail the importance of thinking outside the box, developing an environment where it is okay to make mistakes, and not focusing on a single solution (Corazza, 2014). Acceptance of mistakes and not knowing all the right answers requires learners to have a growth mind set. When faced with a challenge learners must understand the word “yet” represents they have not failed, but instead are working towards achieving a desired goal (Dweck, 2014). Authentic learning requires students to have an appropriate level of self-awareness to develop a growth mindset (Jeffery, 2017).
As I continue my infinite journey of learning, my learning philosophy will continue to evolve. This philosophy will always be embedded in the belief all students can learn. Currently, I include all students can learn when a growth mindset is cultivated and opportunities for learning experiences are provide in a significant learning environment which is student centered and furthers passion, stimulates imagination, while setting boundaries resulting in authentic learning.
References
Dweck, C. (2014, October 9). Developing a Growth Mindset. YouTube. https://youtu.be/hiiEeMN7vbQ
Corazza, G. (2014, March 11). Creative Thinking - How to get out of the box and generate ideas. YouTube. https://youtu.be/bEusrD8g-dM
Jeffrey, S. (2017). How to Change Your Fixed Mindset. https://scottjeffrey.com/change-your-fixed-mindset/
Townsend, F. C., & Townsend, C. M. (1992). Meeting learning needs through multimedia: A look at the way modern technology can help classroom teachers meet the varied instructional needs of students.
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