Philosophy of Teaching and its Role in Teacher Training within the Context of a Polish University
Submitted by:
Karolina Wawer
Abstract:
Agnieszka Kania, Karolina Wawer
The philosophy of teaching statement has become a well-established practice in English-speaking academia, often serving pragmatic and administrative purposes such as application requirements, promotions, awards, and grant procedures (D. J. Schönwetter, L. Sokal, M. Friesen, K. L. Taylor, 2002). However, its primary focus has tended to be on these procedural aspects rather than a profound reflection on teaching, the conceptualization of key ideas and values, and establishing connections between specific approaches and pedagogical, psychological, and philosophical schools of thought (J. E. Beatty, J. S. A. Leigh, K. L. Dean, 2009; 2020).
In our study, we delve into the potential of the philosophy of teaching statement as a tool for deep reflection in the process of teacher training. We analyze 98 essays on the philosophy of teaching written by students specializing in Polish studies from the years 2015-2023. Our exploration aims to uncover beliefs about teaching, the roles of teachers and students, visions of teaching, and the organization of the learning process, while establishing direct connections to pedagogical knowledge. By comparing our findings with modern pedagogies, neuroscience, state policies, and the current Polish school curriculum, we present a nuanced and comprehensive portrait of a Polish pre-service teacher."
Joy E. Beatty, Jennifer S.A. Leigh, Kathy Lund Dean, (2009), Philosophy rediscovered: Exploring the connections between teaching philosophies, educational philiosophies, and philosophy, Journal of Management Education, vol. 33, p. 99-114.
Joy E. Beatty, Jennifer S.A. Leigh, Kathy Lund Dean, (2020), The more things change, the more they stay the same: Teaching philosophy statements and the state of student learning, Journal of Management Education,vol. 44, p. 533-542
Dieter J. Schönwetter, Laura Sokal, Marcia Friesen, K. Lynn Taylor, (2002) Teaching philosophies reconsidered: A conceptual model for the development and evaluation of teaching philosophy statements, The International Journal for Academic Development, vol. 7, issue 1, p. 83-97.
Abdulghani Muthanna, Higher teacher education: Raising awareness toward constructing teaching philosophy statements, (2022), Athens Journal of Education, vol. 9, issue 2, p. 225-236.