Education Philosophy of Brian E. Mac Farlane, MA.Ed

My philosophy of education is not based on a single theory.  However, the end result of any teaching experience should answer  two fundamental questions;

 1) Did the student acquire new skills and abilities (learning)?

 2) Can the student synthesize learned skills and abilities to acquire new        knowledge (maturation)? 

Therefore, my teaching objective is to create a balanced learning environment for students to learn and mature.  Maintaining equilibrium or balance is a complicated process all teachers strive to achieve inside their classroom. There are several learning theories that teachers can utilize to support a balanced approach towards effective instruction:

Humanistic Learning Theory: The affective well being of the students is the main focus of this approach.

Developmental Learning Theory: Allows each student to progress at their  own pace.

Social Integrationist Learning Theory: Recognizes the role of adults and older children in the learning process.  There is a strong emphasis on modeling and the use of language to facilitate learning.

Cognitive Learning Theory: This theory supports a central belief that people are active learners.  They will focus on various factors like information processing model of learning, discovery learning, learning strategies, and problem solving ( Woolfolk 1996).

Behavioral Learning Theory: Behaviorist believes  that learning is acquired through changes that are observable and measured.

Special consideration must be established to understand the dynamics of behavioral and cognitive learning, motivation and learning, classroom management, and diversity.  In addition, any real examination of a balanced learning environment must also consider multiple intelligence and cognitive development, cultural and language acquisition, and social development. Although a full understanding and application will allow the creation of a balanced learning environment, I consider three primary topic areas to be essential within my classroom. The three essential topics are motivation and learning, intelligence and cognitive development and assessment/evaluation.

Motivation and learning are important, because every student is not self-motivated or live in a positive environment.  In addition, students learn at various levels, and this unique difference represents an important dynamic when creating and teaching a lesson.  It would be nice to have a one size fits all, but student’s differences are a fundamental challenge facing all teachers.  Assessment and performance is a responsibility all teachers share.  Therefore, I employ a host of formative and summative assessments, ranging from scholastic tests, readiness tests, observations, periodic quizzes, portfolios and student conferences.

Moving forward, the question of balance is relative, and consequently a central topic of debate among educators.  Therefore, I always recognize a host of theories that support my balanced approach to teaching.  In addition, a full understanding of teaching theories coupled with strategic application of multiple teaching strategies will foster  a balanced learning environment. So, at the end of the day, I’ll be  able to answer the question; Did my students learn, and are they academically mature to make a difference?