Philosophy

What is a philosophy of composition or a philosophy of teaching? Are there different types of philosophies? What teaching and learning strategies do you think might go into your philosophy?


Well, I think it is pretty clear that there are lots of different teaching philosophies. Nearly every esssay we have read for this semester has a different sort of take on a teaching philosophy or viewpoint. The Berlin and Fulkerson articles that we read and discussed earlier this semester do a really good job of outlining some of the major philosophies of composition teaching: classicists, current-traditionalists, expressivists, and new rhetoricians are the names Berlin gives the theories he oulines.

I think that's a pretty good start to some interesting teaching philosophies and he's explained them a little bit better than I could hope to do.

For me, as a teacher, I think what matters most at the moment is balance. As I haven't ever taught before, this is a particularly complicated question and task for me. But I do know that I need balance. I do want my students to learn grammar, form, theory, critical thinking-- everything. But how, as a teacher do you strike a balance? I already realize that I want grammar to be the thing I put on the back burner first. My students' grammar will improve with practice, careful reading of their assigned homework, and my responses to their papers. I really think that for me, at least, I will have to learn by doing when it comes to this. I will have to decide what first priority is for my students before I step foot in the classroom. I suppose I would choose critical thinking, because that skill is the most applicable to the student. It is important in every major, every career, every life choice. I expect my teaching philosophy to be ever changing and evolving with every class I teach or take.