Education+philosophy

1. Student centered
Human rights - to develop to one's full potential without discrimination based on predetermined fate or others' perception. Children base their own self-image on others' perceptions of their abilities and value. This self-image influences motivation, imagination and confidence and therefore the goals that students set themselves to acheive. A child's fate can be predetermined by cultural bounds based on personal attributes such as sex, class, socioeconomic background, definitions of intelligence, and also on social or economical values such as being a doctor (viable occupation) versus being an artist (unviable occupation). We know that our greatest acheivers often rise above social expectation; we know that what children learn at school often has no direct relevance to what they do to contribute to society; we know that what makes people happy is often not related to the abilities society most values; we know that what makes most adults competent, capable individuals and valuable contributers to society is not what was taught in school. We know that with effort and determination, most people can achieve. Judgement based on perceived abilities of students will always be wrong because achievement is only easier with ability, never a natural consequence. As teachers, we are most effective when we develop the will, and show the way.

2. Context centered
What teachers offer students - Integrated learning - Creating connections - Safe and familiar to challenging and contrasting - Local to global - Learning language in context

3. Learning centered
What students need to do - Repitition and rote learning - Basic skills - Application - Engagement