REFLECTIVE JOURNAL - 15 - IMPACT OF PERSONAL TEACHING PHILOSOPHY ON LEARNERS

In a previous blog post, I expressed the view that I believe education  should empower learners in a holistic manner. With each successive Practicum experience (theoretical), I am realizing more and more that such "empowerment" would not occur if left up to luck and chance. It is not automatic. I, the teacher, must make it happen.

One way I can ensure the learner is empowered is by critically and strategically giving thought to my lesson planning process. This involves the writing of proper objectives. I must confess that in my pre - teaching experience, I have not given the writing of objectives sufficient thought. However, having since been exposed to Bloom's Taxonomy, I shall never look at writing objectives the same way again.

While I believe in the student - centered approach to teaching, upon reflection, I have been guilty of conducting many teacher - centered lessons. This was not intentional on my part, rather, it stemmed from me lacking the tools to write proper objectives.

Adherence to Bloom's Taxonomy in writing objectives helps the teacher take the students from "the shallow to the deep". Herein lies the goal of any educator. Herein lies the blueprint for the successful empowering of the learners.

In writing my objectives, I must ask myself some pertinent questions:

• Why am I writing those objectives?
• What is my purpose for writing them?
• What level of Bloom's Taxonomy can be used for my objectives?
• What personal belief or philosophy is influencing the objectives that I am choosing?

As an educator, I owe it to my learners to provide them with the best quality instruction. This requires careful thought and planning. It begins with the formation of my lesson's objectives. Yes, I believe writing objectives is a personal affair. It is therefore important for me to be clear about why I select certain objectives and not others. I must know what I wish to achieve, why I think it should be done in a particular manner and how I intend to execute my goals.