The Interview
The interview seemed to be going along okay. Then the Director asked, So what is your philosophy of teaching English?
My philosophy of teaching? The TEFL interviewee twisted in her seat, tugging at the collar of a blouse that was suddenly too tight. She felt water running down her back. A certain dampness coated her palms.
Yes. Do you have a philosophy of teaching? the director repeated. The interview had taken a distinctive downturn. Top positions paying top dollars require top professionals.
Well, Im not really sure what you mean. the teacher responded. I can tell you what I do in my classes, what materials I use and how I interact with the students. Is that what you mean?
No, thats NOT what the Language Institute Director meant. The interview ended. So did the teachers prospects at that high-level institution.
Philosophy of Education
A teachers philosophy of education is now used as a major marketing strategy by savvy teachers and has become an essential component of a teachers CV and portfolio. It has evolved to become part of the teachers personal profile, which outlines all of his essential skill sets and unique qualities, and highlights the teachers specialties. (D. Sofsian, 2006) Reference these web sites for further information:
Create Your Own Electronic Portfolio
http://electronicportfolios.org/portfolios/iste2k.html
My “Online Portfolio Adventure”
http://electronicportfolios.org/myportfolio/versions.html
How To Create an Electronic Portfolio
[http://www.essdack.org/port/how.html]
Expert author Damian Sofsian in his article, Teacher Education Philosophies, talks about five types of teaching philosophies: (http://ezinearticles.com/?Teacher-Education-Philosophies&id=227410)
Liberal which aims at developing intellectual powers
Behavioral these ideologies focus on the survival skills of a human being and the role of education in teaching them
Progressive – motivates cultural development of an individual in order to bring about societal change
Humanistic – trends look at the overall development of the personality and characteristics of an individual
Radical these philosophers are interested in beneficial changes that should happen in a society from time to time, and the role of education in bringing about political, social and economical changes