Blog #1

In reviewing the educational philosophies of Allen Orenstein’s book, Contemporary Issues in Curriculum, I believe my personal philosophy follows the contemporary approach, borrowing ideologies from the Progressivism as well as Reconstructionism.  I believe curriculum design within the educational system is the most essential component for granting a quality education to the whole child.  In educating the whole child, the value of the curriculum should address the components of all subjects, for all subjects are valuable, especially for problem solving and critical thinking skills.  I believe that although the instructor holds the knowledge and wisdom of the curriculum, it is up to the student to obtain that knowledge, thereby, encouraging that child to become a fully engaged and active life long learner.

            Teachers should exhibit enthusiastic attitudes towards instruction, molding each and every student into responsible, fully motivated and respected individuals.  Integrated learning units should tap into all the core subjects and also include music, art and especially technology.  I believe technology should be integrated into the curriculum because our students are lacking knowledge in this imperative area.  Technology should be integrated within instruction as well as with hands on activities that allow the students to explore new innovative ways for obtaining information.  Technological awareness goes beyond weekly visits to the school computer lab.  I believe in order for students to receive the most authentic experience with technology, each student should have access to a personal computer and relying less on the pencil and notebook.  Students should not only be exposed to technological strategies, but should also be experts at manipulating these technologies and implementing them into daily assignments.  Technological experiences should also be brought into the classroom through guest speakers and other components.  Students should be exposed to careers that rely on technology to assist in promoting its importance.  Such exposure to technology educates the whole child as well as  prepares students to become competitive in this global society.

In meeting the needs of each individual child, the curriculum should be prompted towards differentiated instruction as well as the multi intelligences.  This particular strategy and technique ensures that each child will be provided an opportunity to grasp the skills and concepts they need to be successful with the lesson. One major component that ensures the success of the student’s future is instructional decision-making.  This process focuses on the curriculum and instruction by using data regarding response to past instruction to guide future educational decisions. This process is based on the proactive concept of early assistance and matches the amount of resources to the nature of the students’ needs.   This particular tactic assists in educating the whole child while providing additional assistance and emphasis on the student’s interests and needs.  Evidence of such process involves analyzing ISAT, Terra Nova or other standardized test, and then properly placing the child within a proper groupings and creating developmentally appropriate curriculum.  Each classroom will be enriched with cultural inclusive components that promote academic success among the diverse population.  Teachers will provide a safe and nurturing environment that exudes warmth and a feeling of peace. 

I believe all students deserve the highest level of quality instruction in which they can utilize in our global society.  To achieve this goal, mathematics, science and balanced literacy instruction will be closely linked with the Illinois State Standards and be taught through Kagan, CRISS, reciprocal, differentiated instruction and high yield teaching and technological strategies. I believe teachers must continuously teach to the needs of the students, embracing every teachable moment possible.  If this is done properly with enthusiasm and compassion, the students will then gain a sense of empowerment, causing them to fully engage themselves in the lesson and invite a more challenging curriculum.