3page philosophy

Philosophy of Learning
The Buddhist Proverb says, “when the student is ready, the master appears”, personally this is extremely similar to my personal philosophy of learning. From years of education and life lessons, I strongly believe that you must be ready and want to learn before any knowledge is gained. Through all the classrooms I have sat in to all the teachers I have worked under, I realize that it was the ones where I was willing and ready to learn that made a difference. For the desire to learn to be present, there must be three circumstances existing. First, the correct environment and curriculum for learning is crucial. Also, the educator has his/her responsibilities that are crucial for student’s learning and students must hold their end of the responsibility as well.
Learning goes way beyond the classroom walls and school property. Learning occurs through communication and interaction. For this to be possible, the learning environment is critical. The classroom, or wherever the learning is taking place, must have a very open and welcoming atmosphere. The environment must be both accepting and critical for quality discussions and interactions to take place. The learners must feel comfortable enough to express their personal opinions without feeling apprehensive of judgmental thoughts. Students need to feel as if they can voice their opinion even if it the teacher or fellow peers do not agree for quality learning to happen. The classroom needs to engage in conversations in which all students may participate. Beyond discussions and class material, students must have choices. There must be a variety of activities and interactions that are enjoyable for a wide range of personalities and individuals. With the correct environment, students will be self-motivated to learn and will develop accomplishment and satisfaction easier.
As educators, teachers hold large responsibilities in shaping the developing minds of their students. The mentors should clearly explain their goals and methods so that their students are aware of the expectations. Teachers should create interest and generate curiosity while encouraging students to work hard. Teachers should focus on weaning students of being depending on adults and help them form their own individual. When students ask questions or spark discussions, teachers should never just plainly answer the question, instead they should allow the students to think for themselves first (providing time for the student to wonder and struggle). Teachers must not judge prematurely and only provide fair criticism. Students should be encouraged to communicate and collaborate with their peers and the teacher should partake in this as well. Educators hold the responsibility of being active listeners and learners, for they are learning from their students as well. Learning is a two way process that definitely results in knowledge gained from both sides. Teachers must allow for doubt and frustration in their students and instead of disregarding or reprimanding these feelings, teachers need to understand them and work with them.
The student’s role as a learner is the most important of all. From personal experience, I understand that learning is like a sport: it requires effort, determination, and interest. Without these things you cannot expect to be the team’s MVP and then go professional. Learning is a sport and until you learn the basics, you will still be sitting on the sidelines. Students must make use of their previous and initial knowledge. What you learn in grade school is the basis of all knowledge to come. Students must open up their mind to everything and not just stay focused one what they are personally interested in. There has to be a development of desire to learn. By doing so, one must work effectively and intensely. Premature judgment of fellow peers, mentors, courses, etc. must be avoided to keep an open mind on education. Once a student can think independently and take responsibility for his or her own actions, then they will be ready to learn.

Brainstorm for rest of paper:
-Quotes and points made by all of the philosophers and authors we read from in Eng 100
-Personal examples of how I learn best
-In what environment (small class size vs. big, lecture hall vs. interactive classroom)
-With what type of teacher and resources
-Learning outside of the classroom, in real life
-Taking initiative to learn
-Absorbing the knowledge and using it in real life
-My personal best environment to learn/read/write in
-“Banking system of education”
-Teachers as students, learning from their students and their fellow teachers