Pedagogical approach
My Pedagogical approach is based on social work principles and Montessorian philosophy. I believe in a student-centered focus allowing the children to take an active role in their own learning process. I believe in empowering students by using a strength-based model. I aim to stimulate students’ curiosity and critical thinking abilities by challenging them with information that can be viewed from multiple perspectives. I am also looking to cultivate their ability to analyze information critically and enhance their capacity for critical judgment.
Critical Pedagogy
When I present to a group of social workers, I first seek to foster an environment of engagement, trust, and freedom based on the philosophy of Humanism. I incorporate progressivism and discuss a specific topic that I believe is relevant to the group. I review the literature and background information on the topic while including live examples to make the topic more engaging and stimulating which will evoke curiosity and challenge their way of thinking. My goal is to create a dialogue where people are actively engaged and challenging each other’s thinking process. Typically, it becomes an environment where social workers are actively sharing their perspectives while listening to the perspectives of others. This creates a positive feedback loop where people start questioning their assumptions and opening up to other views. By the time the lecture is over the topic has been thoroughly examined and analyzed and I find myself challenged as well. I will usually have to go back and do more research and revisit the topic with more clarity. I also find that giving my students and listeners a voice makes them walk away feeling more empowered and increases their passion for acquiring more knowledge and putting it into practice.
Modelling
As a teacher and social worker, I model acceptance, openness, and appreciation of cultural diversity. I also model creativity, vulnerability, and courage to take on opportunities and higher goals. I also model speaking my truth even when it challenges people’s assumptions or conventional norms. I also model taking my professional career seriously and maximizing my potential.
Learning resources
I believe in using a variety of learning styles which include visual, auditory, and experiential. I will often use PowerPoint, and handouts and facilitate role plays to maximize the learning process and absorption of knowledge. I also believe in making the topic alive in the room by using real-life examples, promoting interactive learning, and creating live demonstrations.
Conclusion
My teaching philosophy is comprised of social work principles and pedagogic philosophies which include the Montessori approach, humanism, and progressivism. I seek to empower my students by helping them realize their strengths and gain a greater appreciation for knowledge and critical thinking. I view my students as future teachers and people who will be role models for the next generation. I have a progressive view of teaching as a person-to-person relationship where the whole student engages with the wholeness of the teacher and absorbs the knowledge in an embodied manner.
I would like to add how I believe my teaching philosophy will most benefit my students. I believe that students learn most when they feel safe, and empowered and when they feel that their input is important. They are more interested in their own learning process than just going along with a teacher’s expectations. Making the students feel like they are an essential part of the process builds interest and motivation and creates a more integrated learning experience.