TKM2 TASK 2: EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY
A. Create a personal educational philosophy on learning (suggested length of 1–2 pages) in which you do
the following:
1. Select a learning theory that you identify with from one of the following categories:
• intelligence
• behaviorist
• cognitivist
• humanistic/motivation
• constructivist
The learning theory that I identify with is Constructivist.
2. Explain how the selected theory aligns with your current view of teaching.
The constructivist learning theory resonates deeply with my approach to teaching. It emphasizes
active student engagement, meaningful learning experiences and collaborative learning
environments. According to this theory, learners construct knowledge by integrating new information
with their existing knowledge through reflection on real-life experiences. This resonates with my
belief that students learn best when they are actively involved in the learning process rather than
being passive recipients of knowledge. I believe students should be allowed to use their senses,
feelings, and intellect throughout the learning process to cultivate their curiosity and awareness.
Therefore, creating interactive and authentic learning experiences that encourage them to explore,
question, and reason. Overall, this theory aligns with my current view on teach as I aim to create a
student-centred environment that empowers students to become independent and inquisitive
learners.
3. Describe how the selected theory would help you understand developmentally appropriate student
needs in the classroom at two different grade levels (e.g., 7th grade, and 12th grade, 1st grade, and
5th grade).
a) 1st grade.
In a 1st-grade classroom, the constructivist approach recognizes the importance of hands-on,
experiential learning to accommodate the developmental stage of young learners. At this age,
children are highly tactile and sensory-driven, so activities that involve exploration, manipulation,
and play are crucial for their cognitive development. This is a perfect time to build on their
experiences, as everything they encounter outside of school can serve as a foundation for learning.
They are actively engaged in shaping their own understanding. For example, in teaching basic math
concepts like addition, educators can use tangible objects such as counting blocks or manipulatives to
help 1st graders visualize and understand mathematical operations.
b) 5th grade.
At the 5th-grade level, students are at a stage where they start to excel in abstract thinking and
reasoning. Their learning experience becomes more meaningful when they can create their own
understandings by blending new information with what they already know. The constructivist theory
recognizes this developmental stage and recommends offering opportunities for students to delve
into deeper exploration and problem-solving activities. For instance, instead of simply memorizing
facts about the solar system in a science class, 5th graders could be tasked with researching and
designing their own models of the solar system. This approach fosters critical thinking and sparks
creativity. It caters to the specific developmental needs of 5th graders. Through such interactive and
A. Create a personal educational philosophy on learning (suggested length of 1–2 pages) in which you do
the following:
1. Select a learning theory that you identify with from one of the following categories:
• intelligence
• behaviorist
• cognitivist
• humanistic/motivation
• constructivist
The learning theory that I identify with is Constructivist.
2. Explain how the selected theory aligns with your current view of teaching.
The constructivist learning theory resonates deeply with my approach to teaching. It emphasizes
active student engagement, meaningful learning experiences and collaborative learning
environments. According to this theory, learners construct knowledge by integrating new information
with their existing knowledge through reflection on real-life experiences. This resonates with my
belief that students learn best when they are actively involved in the learning process rather than
being passive recipients of knowledge. I believe students should be allowed to use their senses,
feelings, and intellect throughout the learning process to cultivate their curiosity and awareness.
Therefore, creating interactive and authentic learning experiences that encourage them to explore,
question, and reason. Overall, this theory aligns with my current view on teach as I aim to create a
student-centred environment that empowers students to become independent and inquisitive
learners.
3. Describe how the selected theory would help you understand developmentally appropriate student
needs in the classroom at two different grade levels (e.g., 7th grade, and 12th grade, 1st grade, and
5th grade).
a) 1st grade.
In a 1st-grade classroom, the constructivist approach recognizes the importance of hands-on,
experiential learning to accommodate the developmental stage of young learners. At this age,
children are highly tactile and sensory-driven, so activities that involve exploration, manipulation,
and play are crucial for their cognitive development. This is a perfect time to build on their
experiences, as everything they encounter outside of school can serve as a foundation for learning.
They are actively engaged in shaping their own understanding. For example, in teaching basic math
concepts like addition, educators can use tangible objects such as counting blocks or manipulatives to
help 1st graders visualize and understand mathematical operations.
b) 5th grade.
At the 5th-grade level, students are at a stage where they start to excel in abstract thinking and
reasoning. Their learning experience becomes more meaningful when they can create their own
understandings by blending new information with what they already know. The constructivist theory
recognizes this developmental stage and recommends offering opportunities for students to delve
into deeper exploration and problem-solving activities. For instance, instead of simply memorizing
facts about the solar system in a science class, 5th graders could be tasked with researching and
designing their own models of the solar system. This approach fosters critical thinking and sparks
creativity. It caters to the specific developmental needs of 5th graders. Through such interactive and
