My Philosophy on Science Education: Learning, teaching and community
My conceptions of science have always revolved around inquiry into the workings of the world, based on asking questions regarding the previously known and observed and that which is not; I see it as innately beautiful, mystifying and demystifying.
I believe in the power of discovery, exploration, and relevance that science can encompass, as science provides learners an opportunity to see how they are connected to the world around them and develop life long problem solving skills. Through their own inquiries learners explore the art and creativity of science, asking and answering questions of "why things are the way that they are." From this process scientific concepts of connectedness, scale, and systems emerge, from cellular to atmospheric, from microscopic to global. As a teacher, I guide students in the imagining and exploration of their own inquiries within these scientific understandings and concepts, enriched by their relationship to the student's lives.
A school is more than a building, a learning community is more than a teacher and student. The nature of the relationship between students and teacher extends outward from a classroom, to the school community, to the greater human and biological communities supporting and surrounding the learners. I strive to create a nourishing learning environment in my classroom where students can feel safe to explore and grow.
I see classrooms as places where community values can be reflected, such as democracy, respect, dignity, and caring. When students leave the classroom they bring these ways of thinking and being with them, strengthening the community outside of the classroom. I see the opportunity to work with young minds as a unique and powerful, and one with a great responsibility: to aid in the creation of a bright future for each student, and local and global communities in which they reside. As a teacher, I actively support student growth inside and outside of the classroom.
As a science learner I have always found playfulness and discovery inherent in science. As a teacher, I incorporate them into curriculum and lessons of appropriate academic rigor to prepare students with life long learning and problem solving tools while challenging them to their greatest thinking and performing potentials.
I see each student as a unique individual who can be best served by science that speaks directly to them through student choice and relevance to their lives. I am committed to designing curriculum rich with student choice and diverse modes of representation of learning. I strive to create learning opportunities and goals that are relevant and engaging for all students.
Through the teaching of science I am committed to using the tools of science understanding, connection, relevance, and inquiry to facilitate student learning, growth, and preparation in order to create a positive future for the individual students and greater communities in which we live.
Mariah Keagy