Philosophy of Education and Field Experience Reflection

Submission 1: Philosophy of Education

Draft your personal statement of educational philosophy, reflecting your unique teaching beliefs informed by course content, classroom observations, and field experience. Please address the following in your own voice (first-person narrative required):

• Who is the Educated Person?
• What is Worth Knowing?
• What is Learning?
• What is Good Teaching!
• What is the Role of the School in Society?
• Include at least one anecdote or example from your personal educational experience or your field placement that illustrates a belief or insight.
• Do not identify with named philosophies (e.g., “I am a Constructivist”), but you may reference specific theorists or texts we’ve explored and explain how they influence your views.
• Avoid generic definitionsyour responses should be grounded in your developing identity as an educator.

Submission 2: Field Experience Reflection and Log

Write a 3-page reflective paper that critically explores your own field placement experience. This is your opportunity to analyze what you observed, how it connects with learning theories, and how it shapes your understanding of teaching.

Required Elements:

• Include direct, dated examples from your field placement (e.g., describe a moment, interaction, or observation).
• Respond to the following prompts using field-based evidence:
• What effective teaching and learning practices did I observe?
• What created a positive or engaging learning environment?
• How did I see learning process theories reflected in real-world learner behavior?
• Where and how was learning happening beyond the traditional classroom setting?
• What moments excited me or sparked curiosity? What would I like to explore more?
• Attach your completed Field Log (template provided) documenting your hours and brief notes about each visit.
• Include a brief “Before and After” reflection paragraph explaining how your thinking changed between the start and end of your placement.