Please click on the links above to explore my strategies for each level of the pyramid of my classroom management plan.
My educational philosophy is closest to that of Existentialism and Progressivism. I believe that the students are more important than the material that has to be taught. Yes, the material is important but if a student is not understanding the material then it will do no good to keep moving forward instead of helping the student out. Once students leave our school doors, they are in a world where their personality and character will help them either shine or crash down. I also believe that students learn more from experience than by just listening to someone teach. I want students to be able to explore a topic to gain some experience with it. My classroom management plan reflects my philosophy. My level 1, Creating a Caring Community, reflects how I feel about responsibility in the classroom. Both the students and I have expectations and responsibilities and together, as a team, we will come up with those. Helping them build a community and a safe environment let’s them know they are the most valuable thing in the room. Level 2, Recovery, lets students continue to build their character by working in groups to prepare them for the world outside and I also give them the opportunity to talk to me about anything that may be stopping them from succeeding. By them discovering the material and experimenting they are learning life skills, which is Level 3, and having many opportunities to practice them. The “Meta-Moment” is a skill that they can use when they are faced with challenges outside of school. Having a classroom where everyone is equal is key. Progressivism focuses on thinking inside and outside the classroom and with my Level 4 strategies this things are being modeled. On both Level 4 and Level 5 of this pyramid, Existentialism is shown the most. These levels have strategies to support all the students, especially those that have a special need. I believe student’s needs should always be first and having these strategies will address this.