I wrote this philosophy during my first semester in the Teacher Education program at UW-L for EFN 303.

        My philosophy on education most closely resembles the educational philosophy of progressivism.  This philosophy relies heavily on the fact that each student learns differently and sometimes needs to see things from a different perspective.  I am working to become a math teacher, and one of the greatest struggles faced by math teachers, I think, is to gain that love and desire for learning that we all try to implant in our students.  I think that teachers, especially in the math field, need to promote more activities in the classroom, rather than the old, boring math lectures that we’ve all attended.  I think we need to show students that there are real life situations in which their education will benefit them.  Active participation is the best way for someone to actually learn.  As John Dewey taught, book learning is no substitute for actually doing things.
        People generally desire to learn more, and usually learn best, about things that they consider to be important to them.  Teachers need to build the interests of the students.  I think that teachers need to try different things in the classroom, and when one of them lights a spark, go with it.  Take advantage of the curiosity and interest of the students.  I feel that the ability to learn lies ultimately with the students.  He or she is the one who will decide whether the subject/lesson is something they want to pursue.  It is our job as teachers to try to find something inside the student from which we can work.  Then we shape our teaching style to fit the interest and personality of the student.
        Critical thinking is something that every student can use throughout his/her lifetime.  We need to encourage students to think critically and apply what they have learned.  Students need to recognize that few things can be seen in black and white.  Being a critical thinker throughout a lifetime is important if someone is to be a lifelong learner, something I think we need to promote as teachers.
        I think that we need to be active as teachers in finding new and different ways for our students to learn.  Lecture and homework can only take a mind so far.  Being active in their l