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Teaching Philosophy
Teaching Philosophy
Teaching Philosophy
Katie Hill
LI837A
Teaching Philosophy
Abstract
Throughout the years there have been many approaches to teaching, but it has just
been within the last century that educators have begun to use the learner-centered
approach. Learner-centered teaching allows the students be more actively involved in the
Management (SLIM) at Emporia State University they are introduced to many different
ideas, theories, and concepts. Within the Master of Library Science curriculum at SLIM
students are required to look at themselves in many different aspects. The biggest and
most important aspect in which they must discover about themselves is in regard to what
style of learning they utilize, in other words, what kind of learner are they. It is
imperative for teachers and instructors to realize this about themselves in order to be a
successful educator. Once a person is aware of the different learning styles people tend to
have and utilize they will be more adequately prepared to create and mold their
Learner-centered thought has been around for many years. However, it was not
utilized on a widespread level until the early 20th century (Zilversmit, 1993). There are
many theorists and academics who adhere and promote a learner-centered environment.
Many of whom have built on each other’s work making needed improvements and
adjustments as changes in technology and strategies come about. Jean Piaget is a notable
in which the student must construct their own ideas. One definition of Constructivism,
provided by Carol Kuhlthau; “Students learn to think through issues that do not have
prescribed responses or preset solutions” (Kuhlthau, 1997, pg. 3). Piaget was very
interested in the idea and the process of learning. He believed that the focus should be
placed on the leaner as an individual as opposed to the group (Henson, 2003, pg.13).
4 Teaching Philosophy
Dewey. John Dewey was an advocate for educational reform. “He had inspired a
movement to establish new schools that would be democratic rather than authoritarian”
and he shifted the focus of education to the needs of the students (Zilversmit, 1993, pg.
1). Dewey’s ideas on education led to reform of many educational systems in the United
States. Dewey’s words also helped illustrate the idea and necessity of becoming a lifelong
learner, “It is the very nature of life to strive to continue in being. Since this continuance
can be secured only by constant renewals, life is a self-renewing process” (Dewey, 1957,
pg. 11).
Dewey also believed that children will be more successful in their learning
potential if they were asked to think critically. In many academic settings a student is
only asked to memorize and regurgitate what the instructor has fed them. Dewey, using
history as an example, says “To study history is not to amass information, but to use
information in constructing a vivid picture of how and why men did thus and so;
achieved their success and came to their failures” (Dewey, 1960, pg. 151).
From the early work of Piaget, Dewey, and other such theorists many individuals
since have taken their work and expanded it. In today’s information age, educators are
determining that they need to rethink about the education process. One of these educators
is Carol Kuhlthau. Kuhlthau has done a lot of work in the field of education as well as
Kuhlthau explains in one of her articles that Constructivist learning and teaching is very
crucial in today’s digital learning environment; “Living in the information age requires
people to go beyond the ability to locate information and requires competence in seeking
5 Teaching Philosophy
meaning and understanding” (Kuhlthau, 1997, pg. 3). Kuhlthau took the ideas of Dewey,
Piaget, and other Constructivists and created the Information Search Process.
new if they do not first research it. Kuhlthau, being aware of this, conducted studies
about the process people use while searching for information. From her research she was
able to develop the information search process six stage model. Kuhlthau’s studies also
showed that students used a variety of methods to help them reach their ultimate goal.
From these findings she also determined that there are important steps that the educator
or librarian can take in order to help the learner reach their intended goal. These steps
pg. 5-6). All of these steps are also important tools in implementing learner-centered
instruction.
who has taught in the University setting for many years. She approaches teaching with a
Weimer’s book is her examination of how a learning environment will change once an
instruction. Weimer states that five key elements of change take place with this transition
of instruction. These changes are the balance of power, function of content, the role of the
teacher, the responsibility for learning, and the purpose and process of evaluation
(Weimer, 2002). By becoming aware of these essential changes you will be able to create
6 Teaching Philosophy
in becoming a good educator. However, not only is it important to know what type of
learner you are, but you must also be aware of how education and information
dissemination is changing. The American Association of School Librarians put out a set
of standards about the 21st Century learner. This document details the importance of
lifelong learning and how learning and teaching needs to be adapted to support and utilize
the increase of information available to learners and information seekers. “The amount of
information available to our learners necessitates that each individual acquire the skills to
select, evaluate, and use information appropriately and effectively” (AASL, pg. 3). So as
a learner you must understand how you will best digest information but you must also
learn how to utilize all kinds of resources so that you will have access to all relevant
A patron or student does not formally have to recognize his or her own learning
style and information seeking behavior. An educated and trained instructor, such as an
MLS graduate from SLIM, will have been formally introduced to these ideas in order to
better assist their students and/or patrons. While it may help, it is not necessary for the
This responsibility must be placed on the educator to recognize specific mannerisms and
Learning styles and information seeking behavior will be different for every
how they will likely search for information. A trained librarian or educator should be
7 Teaching Philosophy
skilled and prepared to handle any type of learner as well as be willing to ensure the best
education and service to everyone. Education and the ability to learn should not be denied
to anyone in a society. It is the task of today’s educators to continue to promote the idea
of lifelong learning; as Dewey says “society determines its own future in determining that
of the young” (Dewey, 1957, pg. 49). The American Library Association has put forth a
list of core values for libraries and other professionals to follow. Similarly to Dewey,
ALA has a specific value related to democracy and society. This value states:
mandates the right of all persons to free expression, and the corollary right
supported library provides free and equal access to information for all
approach to teaching and instruction. Some educators find it difficult to create lesson
Teaching, gives many examples for different methods that instructors, such as herself,
have used to promote learner-centered education. The examples that she presents can be
used throughout the course of a class or instructional session. One example that can be
implemented at the beginning of a course is allowing the students to help develop the
syllabus. By allowing the students to take part in this process you allow them to take
their education into their own hands as well as actively participate in the content that will
8 Teaching Philosophy
be presented to them. Weimer also suggests that continual input from the students is an
important part of learner-centered education. Without seeking input from your students
you will be unaware of their academic progress and the possible areas of ambiguity
All of the theorists, authors, and organizations mentioned have contributed to the
education and library science fields. As these individuals have illustrated it is imperative
to encourage students and learners of all ages, whether it be in the school or library
setting, to be passionate about learning. Passion for learning is the foundation for society
to improve upon itself. Without improvements and renewals the society will not flourish.
instruction you allow the students to open their hearts and minds to knowledge and the
References
American Library Association. (June 29, 2004). Core Values of Librarianship. ALA
Council. Retrieved June 23, 2009, from
http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/oif/statementspols/corevaluesstatement/co
revalues.cfm.
Dewey, J. (1956). The child and the curriculum and the school and society. Phoenix
books, 3. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Dougherty, J P (Wntr 2007). Using the past to rescue the future. (the future of
education ). Modern Age, 49, 1. p.3(9). Retrieved June 24, 2009, from Academic
OneFile via Gale:
http://0-
find.galegroup.com.www.whitelib.emporia.edu/itx/start.do?prodId=AONE