Teaching Philosophy statement

My philosophy of Teaching is based upon a few core principles that I think are critical to my method of teaching. First, is to build strong rapport with all the students. This means knowing their names, and a little about themselves. Next, I incorporate appropriate humour within the teaching hour. By using first humour, it breaks down the barriers between the students and myself. By doing so, and when this occurs, I then start asking the students questions such as tell me where you are from and ask them to tell me a little about themselves. However, given my personality trait, my teaching “method” is something that I ‘am, its nothing I can fake. Any other way of teaching would be nearly impossible for me to do. As such, by developing these relationships, then eases me to a constructive and positive teaching experience for everyone. It’s a place for teaching that is a safe, and fun for the students. Moreover, what I hope to leave with the students, that it’s okay to make mistakes, it’s okay to not take life too seriously, and it’s okay to live and enjoy in the moment, even while you are learning. Furthermore, I hope the students can take these lessons, and use this approach to life. Which is, yes life is a tough and serious business, but during this time, you can still smile, and laugh. Whether they are in my class or the class of life, going through it with smiles and humour helps you get through it. 

In addition, as a teacher, you are not dealing with robots, but with people that have daily struggles, whichever they may be. Therefore, the class should be about teaching, but to be receptive to their daily issues and to see how you can help. Moreover, my teaching style also includes using the total physical response, and communicative method. Why?  Because I believe it further helps the students even more avenues to take in the material. This I believe combined with my method of teaching, gives the students a hands-on activity, and curiosity for their direct involvement in their learning. 

When I combine all what I have mentioned in my approach to teaching, merged with student interaction, and the need to make learning fun with great real-life examples, and by using my two favourite approaches of the communicative and total physical response, I believe gives the students a good overall approach to learning and life. This gives room for teacher and student to build a great relationship, and both parties the ability to lose the fear of making mistakes. More importantly, when you get to know the students, and that relationship is built, give you better access to assessing their ability and what you and your students need to improve on. Moreover, by having this relationship with the students, creates a bond with the students, that allows for better “control” of the class. As such, I believe my approach, gives the students the ability to relax, and learn but also gives me the opportunity to get my teaching objectives met, while at the same time enjoying the process. Overall, life is about learning, and if you can’t smile and laugh while you are doing that, then teaching is not for you.