Section A

Many teaching positions require the applicant to submit a statement of teaching philosophy. This document needs to represent an accurate reflection of your beliefs and ideals relating to being an instructor. How do you want to portray yourself in that statement? Are you a tough teacher with strict standards? Or do you see yourself as creating a safe and open environment through more flexibility?

For this Discussion, review and study this week’s Learning Resources. Then consider the components of a statement of teaching philosophy. Finally, think about what influences teaching philosophies over time.

With these thoughts in mind: a description of the components of a statement of teaching philosophy, and explain why they are relevant. Then explain one personal and one societal influence that might cause your teaching philosophy to change over time.

Be sure to support your post with specific references to the Learning Resources. If you are using additional articles, be sure to provide full, APA-formatted citations for your references

Section B

A statement of teaching philosophy is not just a personal declaration on teaching meant for prospective employers. In addition to defining your personal beliefs and ideals about teaching, it is a living document that changes as your experience deepens and your beliefs and ideals evolve. It can also act as the foundation for your professional purpose. In writing your statement of teaching philosophy, consider your understanding of yourself as an instructor, the student perspective and experience, and how you fit into the profession of teaching psychology.

For your Teaching Portfolio Assignment, describe your teaching philosophy using the Statement of Teaching Philosophy template provided in the Learning Resources. Your paper should be 4–7 pages long in APA format. Your philosophy should include the following:

• An explanation of your conceptualization of learning
• An explanation of your conceptualization of teaching
• An explanation of your goals for students
• An explanation of how you plan to implement your philosophy
• An explanation of your professional growth plan

Be sure to include any other components not listed in the template but addressed in this week’s Discussion that you deem important to your statement of teaching philosophy.

Also cite all references used in the development of your statement of teaching philosophy using APA format.

Resources

Readings

• Stavredes, T. (2011). Effective online teaching: Foundations and strategies for student success. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
  • Chapter 18, “Developing an Online Teaching Philosophy” (pp. 241–243)
• Svinicki, M., & McKeachie, W. J. (2014). Vitality and growth throughout your teaching career. In McKeachie’s teaching tips: Strategies, research, and theory for college and university teachers (14th ed., pp. 331–337). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.
• University Center for the Advancement of Teaching. (n.d.). Guidance on writing a philosophy of teaching statement. Retrieved March 22, 2013, from http://ucat.osu.edu/read/teaching-portfolio/philosophy/guidance
• Weinberg, A. S. (2002). The university: An agent of social change? Qualitative Sociology, 25(2), 263–272.
  Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
• Yorio, P. L., & Ye, F. (2012). A meta-analysis on the effects of service-learning on the social, personal, and cognitive outcomes of learning. Academy Of Management Learning & Education, 11(1), 9–27.
  Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
• Document: Statement of Teaching Philosophy Template (Word document)