Welcome
This workshop will explore four components of a teaching philosophy statement. Each component will include an opportunity to respond to specific prompts. In a well-constructed teaching philosophy statement, there should be consistency in what a person says they believe, the teaching strategies they use to enact those beliefs, how they measure the impact of their teaching, and teaching-related goals they set for themselves. Misalignment amongst the components may not only be confusing and detrimental to your audience, but may also be a source of concern for those who review your teaching philosophy statement.
At its core, a teaching philosophy statement is a very personal document. It’s normal to feel a bit vulnerable or worried about what people will think about your statement. Since teaching philosophy statements are so personal, we don’t recommend looking at other people’s statements while you’re in the process of writing your own as it’s very easy to start writing in someone else’s style and voice instead of your own. By completing the process on your own first, it will allow for your own personal style and ideas to shine through, making a more authentic, stronger statement.
Writing a teaching philosophy statement is an iterative process. It is a living document that should be updated as you grow and mature as an instructor. As you develop, so too will your beliefs about, and approach towards, teaching.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this workshop you should be able to:
- Recognize some possible uses for a teaching philosophy statement; and
- Reflect on your teaching and learning beliefs, strategies, impacts, and goals.
Teaching Beliefs
Now that you have a foundational understanding of what a teaching philosophy statement is, let’s get started with the first teaching philosophy component that we will be examining: teaching beliefs. Please review the video and interactive slideshow below.
Teaching Strategies
The second component of a teaching philosophy is teaching strategies. Please review the video and interactive slideshow below.
Teaching Impact
The third component of a teaching philosophy is teaching impact. Please review the video and interactive slideshow below.
Teaching Goals
The fourth component of a teaching philosophy is teaching goals. Please review the video and interactive slideshow below.
Crafting A Teaching Philosophy Statement Module Conclusion
Now that we have reviewed each component of a teaching philosophy, here are some final tips and tricks to keep in mind. Please review the video below.
Activity
Please review your written answers for each short activity in this module. Look back to the four components of a Teaching Philosophy Statement and screen your responses for alignment. In a well-constructed teaching philosophy statement, there should be consistency in:
- What a person says they believe,
- The teaching strategies they use to enact those beliefs,
- How they measure the impact of their teaching and,
- Teaching-related goals they set for themselves.
Given that preparing a teaching philosophy statement is an iterative process, you should feel free to change your answers as you see fit to bring them further into alignment.