My name is Tracy Slate, and I teach Secondary Mathematics at Big Pasture High School in Randlett, OK. I received both my BS and M.Ed in Secondary Mathematics from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, OK. My husband and I live in Walters, OK.
My Teaching Philosophy
If I were to summarize my teaching philosophy, it would be: “It is a teacher's responsibility to provide a caring, community-centered learning environment (Owens, et al, 2009) that not only inspires students to think and grow their knowledge in the subject matter but also challenges them to be problem-solvers in life. What students learn in the classroom should easily transfer to their lives outside of high school whether in a job, the military, college, or family life.” Listed below are several concepts that I believe are important in providing a challenging but fun learning environment.
The classroom is an inviting and comfortable place where students like to be. The Learning Styles concept of classroom design with areas of lower and brighter light, comfort items, and unconventional seating provides a unique learning environment. A student should feel that he/she can be comfortable and relaxed, as long as he/she is learning and not disturbing anyone else.
Students feel free to participate in discussions, ask questions and voice their opinions. Open discourse in a classroom is most effective when students feel that they are all on the same side working together to learn. The use of classroom technology for instant, anonymous, formative assessment allows students to answer questions without fear of embarrassment.
Discovery learning and inquiry learning allows students to connect new ideas to existing concepts (AAAS, 1990). “A teacher should never answer a question that a student can answer…so don’t answer questions.” When given the opportunity, students will find the answer, and if it is his/her idea then he/she will most likely remember it.
Mathematical concepts are best remembered through problem-based or project-based learning situations (Santrock, 2011, p. 320). Vygotsky’s social constructivist approach focuses on students being actively engaged in constructing knowledge and understanding (Santrock, 2011, p. 333). When students are required to use critical thinking skills in the problem solving and/or the project creating process, the deep learning that occurs is meaningful and more likely to be remembered.
Collaborative problem solving, healthy competition and teamwork provide tools for students to use outside of high school. Students need to be able to work well with others toward a common goal in a competitive environment. Not only should students work together to improve their content skills, but also use teamwork to solve problems and implement solutions.
Celebrate our differences. Each student is an individual and has needs that must be met in order to succeed not only in the course but also in life. It is important for teachers to get to know each student so they can better understand where he/she is coming from to help him/her head in the right direction. A student should never feel targeted, embarrassed or left out.
Parents are an important part of the student’s educational journey. Initiating contact and developing a good relationship with parents is important in order to gain support in educating their child. Students believe that they are cared for when time is taken to involve their parents.
Students should respect themselves, their teachers, their neighbors and the school. Teachers should have high expectations for their students just as students should have high expectations for their instruction. Students should show self-respect by being on time, being prepared, and doing their best work. Students should listen and participate while letting their neighbors learn as well. School property should always be treated with respect. Consequences are required for inappropriate behavior.
I chose the teaching profession because I wanted to make a positive impact in lives of teens. I always felt that my classroom should be a safe-haven for students; a place where they each feel cared for and appreciated. If I can be the teacher that students remember as someone who truly cared for them, who helped them be successful and plan for a bright future, then I will consider my job well done.
References
American Association for the Advancement of Science (1990). Science for all Americans. Retrieved from: http://www.project2061.org/publications/sfaa/online.htm
Owens, D., Pape, S., Irving, K., Sanalan, V., Boscardin, C., & Abrahamson, L. (2009). The connected algebra classroom: A randomized control trial. Ohio State University Publications. Retrieved from http://scholar.google.com/scholar
Santrock, J. (2011). Educational psychology (5th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill
My Teaching Philosophy
If I were to summarize my teaching philosophy, it would be: “It is a teacher's responsibility to provide a caring, community-centered learning environment (Owens, et al, 2009) that not only inspires students to think and grow their knowledge in the subject matter but also challenges them to be problem-solvers in life. What students learn in the classroom should easily transfer to their lives outside of high school whether in a job, the military, college, or family life.” Listed below are several concepts that I believe are important in providing a challenging but fun learning environment.
The classroom is an inviting and comfortable place where students like to be. The Learning Styles concept of classroom design with areas of lower and brighter light, comfort items, and unconventional seating provides a unique learning environment. A student should feel that he/she can be comfortable and relaxed, as long as he/she is learning and not disturbing anyone else.
Students feel free to participate in discussions, ask questions and voice their opinions. Open discourse in a classroom is most effective when students feel that they are all on the same side working together to learn. The use of classroom technology for instant, anonymous, formative assessment allows students to answer questions without fear of embarrassment.
Discovery learning and inquiry learning allows students to connect new ideas to existing concepts (AAAS, 1990). “A teacher should never answer a question that a student can answer…so don’t answer questions.” When given the opportunity, students will find the answer, and if it is his/her idea then he/she will most likely remember it.
Mathematical concepts are best remembered through problem-based or project-based learning situations (Santrock, 2011, p. 320). Vygotsky’s social constructivist approach focuses on students being actively engaged in constructing knowledge and understanding (Santrock, 2011, p. 333). When students are required to use critical thinking skills in the problem solving and/or the project creating process, the deep learning that occurs is meaningful and more likely to be remembered.
Collaborative problem solving, healthy competition and teamwork provide tools for students to use outside of high school. Students need to be able to work well with others toward a common goal in a competitive environment. Not only should students work together to improve their content skills, but also use teamwork to solve problems and implement solutions.
Celebrate our differences. Each student is an individual and has needs that must be met in order to succeed not only in the course but also in life. It is important for teachers to get to know each student so they can better understand where he/she is coming from to help him/her head in the right direction. A student should never feel targeted, embarrassed or left out.
Parents are an important part of the student’s educational journey. Initiating contact and developing a good relationship with parents is important in order to gain support in educating their child. Students believe that they are cared for when time is taken to involve their parents.
Students should respect themselves, their teachers, their neighbors and the school. Teachers should have high expectations for their students just as students should have high expectations for their instruction. Students should show self-respect by being on time, being prepared, and doing their best work. Students should listen and participate while letting their neighbors learn as well. School property should always be treated with respect. Consequences are required for inappropriate behavior.
I chose the teaching profession because I wanted to make a positive impact in lives of teens. I always felt that my classroom should be a safe-haven for students; a place where they each feel cared for and appreciated. If I can be the teacher that students remember as someone who truly cared for them, who helped them be successful and plan for a bright future, then I will consider my job well done.
References
American Association for the Advancement of Science (1990). Science for all Americans. Retrieved from: http://www.project2061.org/publications/sfaa/online.htm
Owens, D., Pape, S., Irving, K., Sanalan, V., Boscardin, C., & Abrahamson, L. (2009). The connected algebra classroom: A randomized control trial. Ohio State University Publications. Retrieved from http://scholar.google.com/scholar
Santrock, J. (2011). Educational psychology (5th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill