- Overview
Early education is an important phase of children’s life. Therefore, this phase should be handled with care and professionalism. In order to enhance the success of early education, a professional academic structure has to be in place. In regard to the creation of an effective early education model, this paper takes a position about an ideal early education Head Start model which can adequately address the needs of elementary school children.
- Introduction
It is important to note that education at any level is a collective responsibility. As much as the beneficiary of the education model is the student, the fact remains that both parents and teachers have to be actively involved in the process of realizing academic success. My philosophy model is structured on the principle of collective responsibility. The key players within this education philosopher are the teacher, student, and the parent.
- Structure of Education Philosophy
- Role of Teacher
My model philosophy of education holds that the best teachers are those who bring qualities to the classroom that encourage students to want to succeed. A teacher must use many approaches to be a model for students. A classroom teacher should demonstrate respect towards children, have a positive attitude, engage in different learning strategies for the benefits of all students, and show his or her enthusiasm for teaching. Through these approaches, a teacher must be a model for students. In order to enhance clarity in terms of the role that the teacher expected to play, it is important to expound on the requirements of the teacher within the classroom environment that are outlined above.
One thing that is worth noting is that students at the elementary school level look up to their teacher for character development. My education philosophy does not only provide for the academia enrichment of the students, but is also concerned with the character enfoldment of the students. This academic philosophy intends to provide a character education that models the students’ character right from their preliminary education levels (Dickson, 2006, p.62). In this case, this education philosophy aims at producing a whole-man education where the students attain both high academic achievements and also develop in character.
The responsibility of creating this whole-man education has to be promoted by the teacher in the classroom environment. Character has to be engrained within framework of the curriculum that the students use. The amalgamation of character education and the academia builds a moral fabric which will be carried forward by students as they progress to other institutions of higher learning. If this is to be attained the teacher has to be able to be willing to combine the two elements in the class environment. A positive attitude in the part of teachers is necessary in order to enhance this education model. This positive attitude has to be passed on a top-down to the students so that they are supportive of their own system.
- First-Hand Experience & Relevance to Topic
Last Semester I had the opportunity to get a feel of field experience in a kindergarten classroom. This was an elective that was for my Teachers for Spanish class. While I mostly worked one -on -one with students, I also stayed in the classroom and helped the teacher out. As I was helping out a student one day, I could hear the classroom teacher talking about one of her students to her aide. This was not respectful at all. Although she talked quietly, I’m pretty sure the student heard her. It’s important to respect everyone. Modeling respect helps students not only academically but socially. Teachers should first explain what respect is and why it is important then they could go on teaching lessons and reading books about respect. Teachers need to model engaged learning through hands on activities and various learning styles. Teacher should first show the students how to do the activities and then the students should try on their own. Teachers should have flexible routines and allow their students to work in groups. Teachers should also be aware that some students need extra support. Teachers need to show that they want to be there. If a teacher doesn’t want to be there then they shouldn’t be teachers. Not everyone loves what they do but a teacher should be dedicated to teaching and enjoy being around children.
- Parents as supporters of the education philosophy.
Making the students to be supportive of the education system is not the sole responsibility of the teacher. One thing that is worth noting is that as much as teachers and students spend time in class environment, students spend a reasonable time at home. At this time students interact with parents and members of the family. Parents are responsible for making sure that their children complete their assigned school assignments on time. In addition the adherence to character is also the responsibility of their children (Lapsley, 2005, p.24). Parents who do not participate in the process of making sure that the character of their children remains doable in the home setting will be jeopardizing the goals and objectives of the system. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the parents to make sure that the students maintain their character outside the school environment.
- Diverse Curriculum Instructors.
A teacher’s way of maintaining a safe and friendly classroom starts with a positive attitude as it results in positive thoughts and outcomes for the students. When teachers shows positive attitude, children will do the same. They will look up to their teacher and strive to meet the teacher’s expectations. While working with students that have disabilities a teacher most work extra hard and have their patience. Another way to being a successful teacher is being able to show enthusiasm for all subjects Teacher’s also have to make subjects approachable. A teacher could do this by having colorful posters about math and reading. If teachers show they don't like a certain subject this could create a problem for the students. Math or reading might not be a teacher’s favorite subject but they should still show interest, and keep the students motivated with the subjects. Kids should be encouraged to like all subjects. Another key for good learning is a teacher must be respectful and mindful of what they say and do.
- Academic Clinics.
In order to make sure that all the parties within the academic process are involved, it is important that teachers, parents, and children have special sessions that are meant to monitor the progress of the student as well as address any concerns that either party may be having regarding the education process (Sargent, 1967, p.19). It is through academic clinics that both teachers and parents are able to talk about ways in which the students can be assisted in both achieving high levels of academic excellence and at the same time uphold high levels of character. These academics do not have to necessarily be a period of positive acknowledgements about the achievement that have been attained, but should also be used as session of constructive criticism. Any of the parties that are believed not to have met the standards and expectations that have been set by this education philosophy can be critiqued and adequately advised about the ways of improvement.
- Parent- Stakeholder Sessions
One key responsibility that parents have in this education philosophy is making sure that students are continually at school when required. This means that parents have to make sure that they remain up to date in terms of making sure that the school fees and other required expenses are met on time. Failure for parents to meet the required fees on time may create a situation whereby a student lags behind other students with the same class (Dublin, 2006, p.37). Therefore, in order to enhance smoothness in the learning process, parents must strive by using all channels available to make sure that their children remain in school throughout the school year. It is important to note that some children might have the capacity to catch up if they spend time out of school. In addition, the distraction of students from the school environment as a result of fees and other forms of arrears may dishearten a student’s effort. In some cases, it is humiliating to the students that they may be unable to proceed with their studies smoothly.
- Conclusions
My education philosophy advocates for a character education that not only stresses on the academia, but also contributes to the character enfoldment of the students. This education philosophy is aimed at giving a whole-man education by making sure that the student grows in all aspects of life. However, this education philosophy does not leave the responsibility of education to the teacher. Instead, education within this education philosophy is a collective responsibility between the teacher, student, and the parent. This structure makes sure that a student is collectively molded at this crucial education phase.
References
Dickinson, D. K., & Neuman, S. B. (2006). Handbook of early literacy research. New York: Guilford.
Dublin, P. (1994). Elementary education. New York: HarperCollins College Publishers.
Sargent, P. (1967). The Underachiever; a guide to tutorial, remedial, diagnostic, and academic resources in prep school programs and clinics. Boston: P. Sargent.
Lapsley, D. K., & Power, F. C. (2005). Character psychology and character education. Notre Dame, Ind.: University of Notre Dame Press.
