We are products of our experiences - I am sure I teach in ways that I was taught. But, I am also sure that I have made conscious choices to not teach how I was taught as well. Whether I put formal labels on it or not, I do have a belief system in how students learn. I have made some assumptions and it is these assumptions and my observations that have shaped and molded my teaching.
I have struggled before to put my teaching theory into a neat category. It didn't work perfectly. I have definite leanings, but I am very eclectic. I use what I need to help students succeed. After obtaining my MEd, I learned that I am a constructivist and a cognitivist. Having said that, I am also a pragmatist. I teach Foundation English. My students need me to help them gain 'fundamentals.' I try to be constructivist in my approaches, but let's face it - foundations is pretty prescriptive.
My biggest push right now is using technology in my classes. I see tech as a way for students to interact with English. I see it as a way for them to construct their own English reality. That's my theory anyway.
I will conclude this thought with a metaphor....Teaching is like a newspaper - it changes everyday within set parameters and I learn something new everyday!
I have struggled before to put my teaching theory into a neat category. It didn't work perfectly. I have definite leanings, but I am very eclectic. I use what I need to help students succeed. After obtaining my MEd, I learned that I am a constructivist and a cognitivist. Having said that, I am also a pragmatist. I teach Foundation English. My students need me to help them gain 'fundamentals.' I try to be constructivist in my approaches, but let's face it - foundations is pretty prescriptive.
My biggest push right now is using technology in my classes. I see tech as a way for students to interact with English. I see it as a way for them to construct their own English reality. That's my theory anyway.
I will conclude this thought with a metaphor....Teaching is like a newspaper - it changes everyday within set parameters and I learn something new everyday!
