My Teaching Philosophy
As a Facilitator and learner, I enjoy and continually engage in reflection and analysis, including activities to become more self-aware. I feel that this process is essential in order to live my life and practice my profession, in a way that honors my values and beliefs and guides my decisions and actions. On that same note, I feel that it is very valuable if not critical to identify and reflect on one’s teaching philosophy. In this way, we can ensure that our actions in how we teach, train, and interact with learners is in line with those beliefs.
Facilitators can play an instrumental and positive role in the learning process or they can hinder it. They can light the fire of curiosity, passion, self-esteem, and empowerment or they can put a damper on it. I prefer to use the word facilitator over teacher as my role is to awaken, inspire, listen, guide and empower, working in partnership with learners. In order to do this effectively learners need a safe and inclusive environment where they are engaged in meaningful and relevant, learner centered activities that open their minds to the possibilities and to varying points of view.
I have found that in order to provide a safe and engaging learning environment, I must be cognizant of diverse learning styles and needs and to be aware of my own style. I encourage learners to think about their own thinking so that they are aware of their own paradigms and the impact that it has on their learning, opinions and receptivity to other opinions. I have the learners engage in regular reflection about their thinking and what makes them think or feel the way they do. I have them examine the impact that their thoughts have on their feelings, behavior and interaction with others. I also ask them to think about how others could view a situation that might be different from their own point of view and why they may feel this way. This allows for more engaging and lively case studies, discussions and role plays. I encourage an open exchange of ideas without judgment or criticism.
I believe that in order to be effective, facilitators need to be engaging. This is done through both design and delivery. I like to incorporate a variety of activities and techniques such as using; ice breakers, energizers, discussion, brainstorming, group work, role play, games, problem-solving, self-assessment, and self-reflection. Learners have diverse preferences and styles that need to be considered. In order to speak to various learning styles and to create interest, I like to use colorful visuals, engaging demonstrations and powerful quotes, stories and metaphors. Humor, variety and meaningful activities as well as opportunities for movement and demonstration, can enhance energy and engagement.
I believe in the power of education for discovery, enlightenment and growth. As a life long learner and someone who aims to continually develop effective facilitation skills, I know that I have a lifetime of learning and development ahead of me. In order to effectively meet the needs of diverse learners, I plan to learn more about the many e-learning resources that are available and to incorporate them into my facilitation. As I gain more experience in adult education, I plan to revisit my teaching philosophy and make changes as I grow and reflect.
Education is a process of discovery and I am privileged to be an instrument in that process.
See below for full version of My Teaching Philosophy.
Facilitators can play an instrumental and positive role in the learning process or they can hinder it. They can light the fire of curiosity, passion, self-esteem, and empowerment or they can put a damper on it. I prefer to use the word facilitator over teacher as my role is to awaken, inspire, listen, guide and empower, working in partnership with learners. In order to do this effectively learners need a safe and inclusive environment where they are engaged in meaningful and relevant, learner centered activities that open their minds to the possibilities and to varying points of view.
I have found that in order to provide a safe and engaging learning environment, I must be cognizant of diverse learning styles and needs and to be aware of my own style. I encourage learners to think about their own thinking so that they are aware of their own paradigms and the impact that it has on their learning, opinions and receptivity to other opinions. I have the learners engage in regular reflection about their thinking and what makes them think or feel the way they do. I have them examine the impact that their thoughts have on their feelings, behavior and interaction with others. I also ask them to think about how others could view a situation that might be different from their own point of view and why they may feel this way. This allows for more engaging and lively case studies, discussions and role plays. I encourage an open exchange of ideas without judgment or criticism.
I believe that in order to be effective, facilitators need to be engaging. This is done through both design and delivery. I like to incorporate a variety of activities and techniques such as using; ice breakers, energizers, discussion, brainstorming, group work, role play, games, problem-solving, self-assessment, and self-reflection. Learners have diverse preferences and styles that need to be considered. In order to speak to various learning styles and to create interest, I like to use colorful visuals, engaging demonstrations and powerful quotes, stories and metaphors. Humor, variety and meaningful activities as well as opportunities for movement and demonstration, can enhance energy and engagement.
I believe in the power of education for discovery, enlightenment and growth. As a life long learner and someone who aims to continually develop effective facilitation skills, I know that I have a lifetime of learning and development ahead of me. In order to effectively meet the needs of diverse learners, I plan to learn more about the many e-learning resources that are available and to incorporate them into my facilitation. As I gain more experience in adult education, I plan to revisit my teaching philosophy and make changes as I grow and reflect.
Education is a process of discovery and I am privileged to be an instrument in that process.
See below for full version of My Teaching Philosophy.
I am not a teacher, but an awakener" (David Frost)
To gain a better understanding of my thoughts on what it means to be an Adult Learning Facilitator, please see my visual representation below.
Throughout my journey through the Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Adult Education and Training program, I participated in daily reflection and discussion. I found this to be a valuable learning experience that opened my eyes and my thoughts about what it means to teach as well as how to teach. You may view one of these discussions regarding learning styles below.
