Philosophy of Education

Language education is an essential key in the development and growth of

individuals. Through language education, students will develop skills, knowledge,
and beliefs that will allow them to discover their true identity and how to relate to
people of diverse cultures and backgrounds. Ludwig Wittgenstein once said, The
limits of my language are the limits of my world. Language education has a power
unlike anything else in the world. It has the power to open doors, build bridges, and
foster relationships. Language educators have the responsibility to unlock that power
within students. The language educator is a facilitator of learning, guiding and
directing students in the formation of their own thoughts and ideas. Additionally, the
language educator will provide numerous and differentiated opportunities for
students to learn. Finally, the language educator in the secondary classroom will
acknowledge the important role that adolescent development plays in the learning
process, providing appropriate social interaction for students in the classroom. It is
the responsibility of the language educator to ensure that these factors are achieved,
and when they are, language education reaches its true potential.
As a facilitator of learning, the language educator acts as a guide in the
learning process. Rather than being a direct source of instruction and knowledge, a
facilitator will aid students, allowing them to discover knowledge for themselves. In
this role, the language educator will relinquish some control of the classroom and
will instead become partners with students in the learning environment. By doing
this, students will automatically feel more connected with the content because they
are given the opportunity to form opinions and understanding of the material.
Students are also able to acquire the abilities of a life-long learner, one of which is
independence. By granting students the opportunity to direct their own learning,

they develop the skills needed to continue their educational journey and pursue
careers. They discover how to actively seek and apply knowledge in a way that is
most meaningful to them.
It is understood, in the language classroom, that different cultures and
diversity will be common topics of conversation, and just as diverse as the cultures
studied are the learning styles and needs of each student. Diversity abounds in a
classroom where students are diverse in needs, abilities, and backgrounds; therefore
it is the role of the language educator to acknowledge those differences, while also
maintaining the belief that with the right approach, students can master the same
concepts and skills. Rather than simply teaching in a way that most students will be
successful, the language educator will diversify the means of instruction to ensure
that each student is afforded an approach that will best accommodate his or her
learning needs. Differentiating instruction takes carful planning, but in the end, it is
the most important factor in the assurance of student achievement.
A final consideration in providing students with an effective language
education is the understanding and sensitivity to adolescent development.
Adolescence is a unique stage in human development, which encompasses a time of
change, transition, and self-discovery. The adolescents focus shifts from familial ties
to social ties. Adolescents have a pertinent need to be social, and ignoring this need
in the classroom will contribute to student distraction and interfere with student
achievement. Since communication is the core goal in language education, there are
many built-in social opportunities for students, and it is the job of the language
educator to ensure these interactions are contributing to the learning process.

Language education is an essential piece of human development. It is a key

in the process of self-discovery. Language education allows students to become

culturally sensitive and aware. It opens their minds to the diverse cultures that
make up the world we live in, and therefore, makes them more responsible global
citizens. Language education provides students with the skills they need to be
independent learners. It breaks down barriers and has the power to change lives.