What is your philosophy of education? With that philosophy in mind, how do you approach educating your children?
1) That there are certain basics that our children must learn to succeed: math, the ability to read and write well, and so on. 2) That each child should be exposed to a wide range of topics to uncover their strengths and affinities as well as be well-rounded. 3) That each child is unique and that we should feed their strengths so they can excel in those topics. 4) That each child should learn about, and hopefully interact with, those with differing opinions so they can (i) understand where others are coming from, (ii) learn to defend their own position, (iii) always be teachable. 5) Instill in them a lifelong love of learning. If I could do over our children's education, I would probably emphasize more the fourth point. In particular, I would ask them to defend positions with which they disagree - to force them to understand the perspectives of others.
I believe that teaching the child how to learn and instilling a love of learning will be the greatest 'education' they can receive. Anything they need or want to know in life will be accomplished so long as the those 2 things are in place. I also value a well-rounded education, including the basic subjects, but also music, art, poetry, real world finance, auto and home maintenance and repair, etc.... We take care of the three R's, but then really have fun delving into the other stuff as well.
Wow. Steve we are on the same page totally. I just covered on my blog a bit about those very points lol. Except number four which I agree being able to voice your own opinion and to have an open mind are equally important. And to add we like to make learning fun and engaging so that the kids aren't bored with rote facts.
I think part of my philosophy could be summed as this: Start at the level they are ready for and then proceed at a pace they can handle. I also believe in letting them pursue their own interests, in addition to the basics and whatever you the parent decide needs to be covered.
My philosophy can be summed up with: 1. Learning is fun. School is fun. Because school is fun children can spend a good portion of their day in school. 2. Learning often requires you to get out of your seat. 3. Discussions and questioning are greatly valued. 4. Children should be exposed to a great variety of topics. 5. Children should be given the opportunity to explore topics in great depth. 6. Aiming to teach my children to be globally minded with a heart of compassion. 7. There is no secret method or one right way to do things. Education should be personalized for each child according to the child's style of learning, rate of learning, level, and interests. Adapt as necessary. 8. As a Christian, imparting the joy of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is part of our outlook. As for application in our day to day life. It is a work in progress.
My philosophy of education is this: Learning is to life what mammalian lungs are to air. The air doesn't need lungs to exist, the mammal does. Life doesn't need learning to exist, the learner needs it to exist. Learning is continuous from the first breath to the last. Without learning we die, whether from ignorance or stupidity, just as we die from lack of air. Due to ds autism, rote memorization is not learning. So my approach to everything learned is two-pronged. First, true learning must instill a curiosity to learn more. Second, whatever is learned must be practically applicable. Even if that application is for nothing more than pleasure. Marty