PHILOSOPHICAL TEACHING PLATFORM 1

A Philosophical Position Statement:

Becoming a Middle Grades Educator

Mirette Carpenter

Georgia College and State University

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Theories

Multiple Intelligences

Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligence is an extremely important aspect to

acknowledge when creating and implementing lessons. Every student learn differently, and

through understanding the different intelligences, teachers can create lessons that aim to reach

every type of intelligence, to ensure that each student is getting what they need. There are seven

different intelligences, which consist of linguistic, logical-mathematical, visual spatial, body-

kinesthetic, musical-rhythmic, interpersonal, and intrapersonal. It is so important that teachers

work to address these different intelligences, to engage all students in learning. Curriculum

should be a balance of these intelligences, to give students the opportunity to explore which

intelligence they may learn best with, and increase engagement.

Constructivism

This theory describes learning as an active process, and that knowledge is built off of

previous knowledge, and that is how we learn. Every person constructs their own meaning and

understandings based off of their prior experiences and knowledge. Teachers should be aware of

the constructivist theory because it is the way that students create meaning in their learning

through interaction. Students are more engaged in learning when they can relate to the material,

and connect the content of the lesson to their personal experience and lives. This kind of learning

helps students develop and construct their understandings by taking new concepts and

connecting it to real world problems or experiences.

Social Development

Vygotsky’s social development theory discusses the important role that social interaction

has on cognitive development and learning. The social development theory addresses the ZPD,
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which, stated by Vygotsky, is “the distance between the actual developmental level as

determined by independent problem solving and the level of potential development as

determined through problem solving under adult guidance, or in collaboration with more capable

peers” (1978). This zone of proximal development is a sweet spot for students to be challenged

and pushed to learn and figure things out on their own, or with assistance. This theory also

discusses the MKO, which is someone who is more knowledgeable on a certain topic; someone

that can act as a mentor or facilitator for learning. Through the understanding of a student’s ZPD,

a teacher is able to differentiate and ensure that each student is progressively being challenged,

and all students are learning.

Essential Dispositions

Differentiation

Differentiation is such a vital aspect of teaching, because it addresses each individual

student’s needs and level of understanding. Through differentiation, teachers are able to figure

out where a student is in their learning, and develop individualized activities and lessons to

ensure that each student is learning and being consistently challenged. Teachers can differentiate

in many different ways, through specific content, activities, learning environment, assessments,

all with the common goal of creating a curriculum that is designed for every student as an

individual.

Active Learning

Active learning is extremely important in the classroom, because it provides an

environment for students to engage in the content and in their own learning. Active learning is

cultivated through different lesson activities that reach multiple intelligences, and require the

student to think and learn themselves. It is so important that the teacher remains a facilitator, and
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are not just regurgitating information. Especially in a science classroom, creating curriculum that

is engaging and exploratory allows the students to ask questions about the content, and then aim

to figure out the answers themselves through exploration. In This We Believe (2010), active

learning is describes as, “the most successful learning strategies are ones that involve each

student personally” (p. 16). This creates a more memorable learning experience for the students,

and greatly increases the likeliness that the student actually learns and remembers the content

being explored.

Alternative Seating

Alternative seating allows students to be more comfortable while learning, and provides a

more individualized classroom environment for students. If a student learns better while they are

standing, by all means they should stand. Traditional classroom desks are not made for everyone,

and a classroom should provide an environment that is supportive of every student, and meets

each student’s needs.

Family and Community Involvement

Family and community involvement is an important aspect of education, because it

creates a sense of culture and belonging for the students. Involving family is important because it

is an accountability method, and it is important for there to be open communication between the

student, parent, and teacher to ensure that the student is doing as they should, and getting the

necessary help and guidance they need to learn and develop. In This We Believe (2010),

“research studies clearly link the involvement of family and other adults in the community with

higher levels of achievement” (p. 40). Involving the community in a student’s learning helps not

only provide the content with meaning, but it exposes students to experiences and opportunities

they may not have outside of school, and provides them with a larger support system.
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Positive Learning Environment

School should be a safe and supportive environment for students to come and learn.

Students should feel comfortable asking questions, asking for help, and exploring and finding out

who they are as a person. Young adolescents are going through a time in their lives when things

are changing cognitively, emotionally, and physically, and it is crucial that school is a place for

them to feel comfortable in their own skin, and comfortable expressing themselves. Students will

not learn if they do not feel accepted, and their emotional wellbeing is the most important part

about a young adolescent. In This We Believe (2010), a positive school environment I sone that

“ensures students will be known as individuals and feel cared for and valued” (p. 34). It is

important for teachers to build relationships with each individual student, to help create this

positive learning environment for their students.

Teaching Platform

- Young adolescents are individuals that are experiencing physical, social, emotional, and

cognitive changes that require support and guidance from an adult advocate.

- Middle grades schools should provide a safe and supportive environment for ALL

students.

- Middle grades curriculum should be relevant and meaningful, and should facilitate

students to develop their own ideals and norms, and prepare students to be active,

educated members of a working society.

- Middle level classes and curriculum should be ticket sellers, and a place where students

come and participate because they WANT to not because they HAVE to.
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- Middle grades teachers should be flexible yet structured, aware and accepting, positive

and driven, and runners not riders.

- Middle level instruction should be differentiated and exploratory, and should provide

students with opportunities to engage in their own learning and the development of their

own understandings of the world.

- Assessments should be exciting and not dreaded, it should be differentiated and allow

student choice and voice, and should be an opportunity for students to show all they

know, and not an intimidating multiple choice test.

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References

Association for Middle Level Education. (2010). This we believe: keys to educating young

adolescents. Westerville, Ohio: National Middle School Association.

Vygotsky, L.S. (1978). Mind in Society: The development of higher psychological processes.

Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.