For this assignment, you are to construct a multicultural philosophy of education, which illuminates your fundamental views on educating culturally and linguistically diverse learners. As you describe your current thinking, try to identify any metaphors you can conjure to explain your ideas. Your paper should at least address the following questions and components:
What is the purpose of education in a diverse democratic society such as the US?
How does learning happen for students, in general, and for culturally and linguistically diverse learners, in particular?
What do youthink it means, "to teach" and how do you believe you willfacilitate the learning process as a teacher in a diverse classroom?
What do youbelieve is an instructor's responsibility towards his or her students in termsof motivation, content, support, etc.? How is this responsibility the same or different for diverse learners?
What metaphor could you conceptualize that explains your role as a multicultural teacher?
What skills orknowledgedo you want your students to gain from your classes?
How does yourbelief about teaching translate into action?" Whatspecific examples can you reference thatillustratehow yourphilosophy translates or may translate into actual classroomactivities?
How do you or will you know yourstudents are meeting thegoals thatyou setforth? How can you show thatyour assignments are meaningful and that they align with your goals and teaching methods?
What evidence can you point to thatillustrates yourstudent-centeredness and describehow you attend to differences in student ability, learning styles, orlearning levels? What different ways do you plan to teach students from culturally and linguistically diversebackgrounds?
Tips for a Successful Paper
Employ first-person language (e.g., "I, not "You," "Teachers," or "He/She"), Use a present tense point of view (e.g., "teach" not "taught").
Keep it brief (two-pages maximum)
Think about your ideal job placement and write to that particular context. Keep in mind the needs and values of those who will be reading your philosophy.
"Own" your statements. Remember that your teaching philosophy is just that yours. It details your personal beliefs about teaching and your actions in the classroom. This awareness should be reflected in the language you use in your statement. In other words,don't write about what "all teachers should do." Instead, write about what you do and whatyou believe.
Do not make empty statements. Avoid jargon and buzzwords. Yet, situate your philosophy within one of the philosophical traditions (perennialism, essentialism, progressivism, etc.) Illustrate how relevant literature (including theories of teaching and learning, and metaphysical, epistemological, axiological or ethical perspectives) informs your teaching andassessment practices.