Educational Philosophy

I believe the goal of education is to not only teach the subject but also the whole person. To me this means helping learners gain confidence in their ability to move along the path of self-discovery and realise their full potential. My aim is to promote the value that one-size does not fit all, that a unique and valuable contribution can be made by each student.

Education is not preparation for life. It is life itself.
John Dewey

As a teacher I want to provide a secure, motivating environment in the classroom whereby students can take responsibility for their own learning. I aim to be sensitive to the needs of the students, to assess student's readiness and interest and to modify and differentiate curriculum where required. I want my students to be able to confidently take their place in a global community and have the skills to effectively and peacefully solve problems while striving towards becoming teachers as well as life-long learners. I want my students to think independently, be able to reason with compassion and to be in touch with their academic as well as creative sides.

As a learning technology educator my focus is on the integration of technology with a content-rich curriculum thereby providing a tool for learning, not another subject to teach. My view of the learning process is that students learn best by doing, through discovery and enjoyment of a task. I consider my approach to be that of a techno-constructivist, and realise the full potential of technology to help students build their own experience, construct their own meanings, create products and solve problems. I am on a journey to assimilate new technologies for learning and am always open to new possibilities that will focus on student competencies and intelligences and provide relevance and immediacy in the classroom.

We must view young people not as
empty bottles to be filled, but as candles to be lit.
Robert H. Shaffer