Philosophy of teaching.
The philosophy of Teaching that really appeals to me both theoretically and personally is the Transformative approach expounded by Miezrow and others.  I feel that it encompasses the Principle of Learning and Teaching and the Curriculum Domains can be delivered holistically and inclusively.
I hope that will bring a strong believe in myself and in the legitimacy of my aims and philosophical teaching goals to being a teacher.  I will practise these continually in my own process of life long learning.  These goals correspond with the principal theories of inclusive and transformative learning, whereby:
  1. ➡The transition to adult life often involves personal transformation as students move from a safe school environment to take on complex work, study and social responsibilities.  Transformative learning equips students with the concepts and understanding necessary to make a success of this transition.
  2. ➡Students are led to a deeper understanding of concepts and issues their fundamental beliefs and assumptions may be challenged leading to a transformation of perspective or worldview. Students who understand transformative learning may be better able to recognise the common stages of transformative change and have the tools to assist them during this process.
  3. ➡We ask students to develop critical and reflective thinking skills and encourage them to care about the world around them they may decide that some degree of personal or social transformation is required.  Students will need the tools of transformative learning in order to be effective change agents. Otherwise students may feel disempowered, become pessimistic about the future, fear change, or develop a degree of cynicism towards those who promote change. (Taken from http://www.hent.org/hent/hentnews/hentnews12.htm The Holistic Education Network of Tasmania)
We are living through a period of transformational change in society and culture. Students will be better able to understand and deal with such change if they understand the nature of transformation and the impact it has on individuals, groups, organizations and nations. I am aware that Transforming your life and attitudes is intrinsically hard work, as humans are creature of habit.  I have spent many years learning from and reflecting on all my experiences, both good and bad, and consequently I can see why Cranton (2002) makes this point.  One cannot force change and/or transformation on another person, the choice to change is theirs alone, therefore teachers cannot force change upon their students.  Though I do agree with Apostol in that, teachers are able to “…influence [students] by modelling and creating a safe and supportive environment that will hopefully make them desire to change individually and collectively (2007).”  Ultimately I have faith, as does Goulah, that cultivating a Transformative approach to cultural instruct and education in general will nurture “… the type of learning necessary to alleviate the extreme human and planetary suffering (2007: 165).”
 
 
Philosophy of Teaching
In education lies the transformation of learners and society.  It is the tool that will bring about change.
 
 Agnes S. Apostol