Philosophy

My interests are:

Travel, Technology, Music, Dance, History, Business, Nature, Philosophy, Trekking, Salsa, Bridge, Life, Space, Math, Creativity, Science, Evolution, Engineering, Medicine, Economy, Learning, Astronomy, Children, Project management, Education, Genetics, Physics, Social work, Rueda, Society, Invention, Future, Human resources, Universe, Brain, NGOs, Consciousness, Technoparks, Science centers

A little bit about my educational philosophy:

Individuality : Each individual has fundamental worth and dignity. Each student has a right to realize his or her potential to he fullest. All children can learn. Students learn in different ways and at different rates. School staffs should adjust and school programs be adjusted to meet the needs of students. Individuals with positive self-esteem produce positive results.

Curriculum : Curriculum and all lessons should be designed within hands-on and minds-on philosophy like GEMS approach. Students should be introduced into scenerios that they can touch , actively participate and use their minds . Curriculum should be revised and be grouped as essential , enrichment and to be deleted. We should foster atmosphere of free enquiry , encourage questioning of accepted views and theories , foster respect for learning , encourage creativity and independence .

Educational psychology : We should provide intellectual challenge ,motivate students in the learning process , provide role models , respect students , use appropriate teaching methods , learn from students , manage subjects coherently , provide constructive feedback , ensure relevance with real life , assess appropriately and recognise prior learning , be concerned for student welfare and provide a supportive , open environment. We should use effective communication techniques with students and and all other stakeholders.

Reform : I believe most of the problems are related with the system not all the time with individuals. In order to make any progress you (student , teacher or school) should evaluate yourself. When we consider reform or change in a school everyone in the school must be informed about the process and change should be initiated on those areas that staff believe they are in need. Others should not empose them but help to see their needs.

Community : We should emphasize commonly-held societal virtues like democracy. We should foster the active involvement of the parents, the community, and the students themselves. We should emphasize on teamwork skills , encourage self-evaluation , inculcate an ethical awareness and sense of responsibility , allow diversity in the classroom.

Assessments: Assessments should not be limited to traditional pencil and paper test. Open book exams, portfolios, child-led conferences, presentations , rubrics, books, journals, group projects and other assessments should be used in determining a student’s grade. Assessment should be continious and formative not summative solely. I believe exam grades should be in pencil until they have reached at least “B”

Educational technology : We should spend as much time on the process of creating and maintaining a learning environment as we do on the content of the subject. We should develop student’s thinking , problem solving , decision making , information acquisition (rather than storing), self-learning and communication skills . Technology and techniques should tools and not aims

Professional development : We should work hard with professional development to implement a strong training program for all staff during the year. This program would include observations , intervisitations, workshops, memberships in professional organizations, professional research, portfolios , demonstration lessons, and the use of videotape (for observation and/or self-analysis).