Developing Your Educational Philosophy Statement

DR. JOHN CHURCHLEY

ADAPTED FROM A PRESENTATION BY: DR. KAREN DENSKY

Learning intentions

1. What is a EPS?

2. Why do I need one?

3. What does a good one look like?

4. How do I write one?

What?Philosophy of Teaching Statement = faculty that directly teach students

Educational Philosophy Statement = faculty that provide many types of educational support for students (including teaching)

What?

A professional philosophy is a self-reflective statement of your beliefs about education. It should also discuss how you put your beliefs into practice by including concrete examples of what you do in your professional work.

https://cei.umn.edu/writing-your-teaching-philosophy

What?

PEDAGOGY

EPISTEMOLOGY

What?

PEDAGOGY

The method and practice of

teaching, especially as an academic

subject or theoretical concept.

en.oxforddictionaries.com

What?

”You don’t believe things because they make your life better, you believe them because they’re true”

Veronica Roth (2013), Allegiant

EPISTEMOLOGY OF EDUCATIONWhat do you believe about education?What do you know about education?

What?

What are some theories/beliefs about

learning and education?

(some epistemological pedagogies?)

Think – Pair - Share

Why?

To concisely gather together your beliefs

about education so that you can easily articulate

them to students, your peers, and search

committees.

https://cei.umn.edu/writing-your-teaching-

philosophy

Why?

To make your epistemological

pedagogies transparent

Why?

An introduction to student-centred parts of your portfolio,

thus setting the stage for the reader of that portfolio.

https://cei.umn.edu/writing-your-teaching-philosophy

Why?

How long?

A traditional Educational Philosophy is typically 1-2 pages single spaced

Examples

Business

Social Work

Anthropology

Chemistry

Educational Research, Technology and Leadership

Nursing

Retrieved from University of Florida, Faculty Center for Teaching & Learning:

https://www.fctl.ucf.edu/FacultySuccess/ProfessionalPortfolios/philosophies.php

Rubric for an Educational Philosophy Statement

Meeting

Expectations

Somewhat

Meeting

Expectations

Not Meeting

Expectations

Purpose & Audience

Clear focus or theme

Appropriate tone

Free of clichés

Holds attention

Voice

Authentic (“I”)

Reveals self

Demonstrates investment

Demonstrates enthusiasm

Beliefs & Illustrative Examples

Clearly stated beliefs

Rationale for beliefs

Specific examples of strategies, methods,

or theories

Conventions

Headings, paragraphs, transitions

Appropriate length & thematic style

No distracting grammar, spelling errors

Freewriting SessionGuidelines:

1. You will be presented with 8 Key Questions one at a time.

2. Think about each question and write the first ideas that come to mind.

3. Keep writing until the next question is presented.

4. Don’t edit or critique what you write.

5. Make connections between responses by drawing lines or arrows.

Key Question #1

How do I learn?

How do people learn?

Key Question #2

How did educators facilitate my learning?

How do I facilitate student learning?

Key Question #3

What expectations do I have of students?

Key Question #4

What expectations do students have of me?

Key Question #5

What do I do to implement my beliefs about learning? (my epistemological pedagogies)

Give specific examples.

Key Question #6

Are these things working?

How do I know?

Key Question #7

How do I know my expectations of students are met?

How do I know student expectations of me are met?

Key Question #8

How will I continue to grow as an educator?

Elevator Pitch

1. Highlight or circle some of the significant ideas or terms from your brainstorming session.

2. Create a short (1-2 minute) elevator pitch.

3. Present your EPS Pitch to a partner (record with your device if desired)

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

Closing

ONE WORD THAT EMBODIES YOUR

EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY.

COMMITMENT CARD

ENVELOPE WITH YOUR OWN ADDRESS

References

University of Central Florida. (2017). Sample Teaching Philosophies. Retrieved from: http://www.fctl.ucf.edu/facultysuccess/professionalportfolios/philosophies.php

University of Minnesota. (2017).Writing a Teaching Philosophy. Retrieved from: https://cei.umn.edu/support-services/tutorials/writing-teaching-philosophy