Please click the links above to see examples of many of the strategies I use in my classroom and how they correlate to each level of the Self-Discipline Pyramid. These strategies will be presented to my students in the classroom, syllabus, and on my website.
My educational philosophy is highly progressive. I put my students needs and desires above all else in the classroom, including the curriculum. Student individual interests and personal development are essential to enduring understanding. As one who believes in the progressive theory, I spend a great deal of time learning about my students learning preferences, learning abilities, and learning interests. As I plan my day to day lesson plans, I find ways to connect both what is taught in class to what is going on in the world. In this way I gear student learning toward a more general learning of life skills. The classroom strategies I choose to use in my classroom bend to my educational philosophy and are geared toward student understanding and enjoyment. Below is a brief description of what strategies I utilize in my classroom and how they correlate to the 5 Levels of the Self-Discipline Pyramid:
Level 1 - The foundation of this pyramid is to create a safe classroom learning environment for both the students and the teacher. At this level I use strategies that allow me to get to know the students and that allow the students to get to know each other. Getting to know students on an individual basis is the foundation to a safe classroom environment and to the progressive educational philosophy. Level 2 - The second level of this pyramid works to establish structure in the classroom that will hold students accountable for their actions. As a progressive thinker, I focus on individual student needs when necessary and above all, treat students with respect. I provide students with the guided opportunity to self recognize, self discipline, and self correct. Level 3 - Teaching students life long skills is a highly important facet in my educational philosophy. The strategies I choose in my classroom encourage students to critically think and examine the cause and effect of different choices both inside and outside the classroom. Level 4 - The fourth level of this pyramid aims to ensure equity in the classroom. Progressive thinking depends on the knowledge of specific student needs in and out of the classroom. The strategies used at this level require the teacher to encourage equity to the students versus equality. Though teachers should not openly treat students differently or call specific students out in front of the whole classroom, strategies can be bent to ensure that all students are receiving equal consequences or rewards. Level 5- The final level of the pyramid might be the most difficult to achieve with each student, however it is essential to provide all students with your utmost and full level of support. My educational philosophy demonstrates the ability to acknowledge that students have a life outside of your classroom, including but not limited to, other classes, extracurricular activities, family, and friend. As a teacher it is vital to apply methods in the classroom that demonstrate to students that you truly believe they have worth and deserve a foundation of support in the classroom that will further their life long learning.