Transcript the Powerpoint

Writing a Teaching Philosophy
Statement
Bill Burke
Associate Director
Center for the Enhancement of Learning and
Teaching (CELT)
Adjunct Faculty, Biology
Writing a Teaching Philosophy
Statement
What is a teaching philosophy statement?
A reflective essay on your conception of
teaching and learning and how you
operationalize those beliefs
Why write one?
Writing a Teaching Philosophy
Statement
Formative Reasons
Reflective practice – a continual examination and
enhancement of your teaching
Part of a personal portfolio
These statements are –
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•
•
•
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Private
Diagnostic
Ongoing
Feedback for your improvement
Used to make personal decisions
Writing a Teaching Philosophy
Statement
Summative Reasons
Needed for an academic job application
Part of a tenure and promotion dossier
Documentation for a teaching award
Often part of a teaching portfolio
These statements are –
• Public
• Sources of documentation
• Used for personnel decisions
Writing a Teaching Philosophy
Statement
Should show –
Who and what you teach
Your teaching goals
Student learning outcomes
How you teach and assess your students
Why you teach that way
Specific examples of implementation
Writing a Teaching Philosophy
Statement
Developing a Philosophy of Teaching Statement (Chism, 1998)
A good philosophy statement contains –
• Your conceptualization of learning and teaching
How do you see yourself as a teacher?
What role do you play in the classroom?
How do you think students learn best in your discipline?
• Goals for your students
What learning outcomes do you want for your students?
• Implementation of your philosophy
How do you put your philosophy into practice?
• Professional growth plan
Do you show evidence that you reflect on your teaching,
learn from it, and are open to making changes?
Writing a Teaching Philosophy
Statement
Characteristics
No one set format
Generally 1 – 2 pages in length
Use present tense and first person
Write with the audience in mind
• Who is going to read this and for what purpose?
• Use technical terms and jargon judiciously
Writing a Teaching Philosophy
Statement
Link your philosophy to your practice
• Provide a few specific examples
• Let the reader "see" you in the classroom
Make it reflective and personal
Make it memorable and unique
What sets your philosophy and practice apart?
Own your philosophy
These are your beliefs about teaching and learning
Writing a Teaching Philosophy
Statement
Two Good Resources
These two web sites are particularly good for giving advice,
providing examples, and linking to other resources
The Ohio State University
University Center for the Advancement of Teaching
http://ucat.osu.edu/read/teaching-portfolio/philosophy
University of Michigan
Center for Research in Learning and Teaching
http://www.crlt.umich.edu/tstrategies/tstpts.php