Learning Through Experience

The theory that stands out to me is learning through experience, also known as “learning by doing.” Students still need direct instruction, examples, and teacher guidance, but they also need chances to use what they are learning.

I use this theory in my classroom through turn-and-talks, group discussions, partner work, projects, current events, and hands-on activities. One example is my Passport Around the World elective. Students learn about different countries through maps, readings, pictures, videos, discussions, and activities. At the end of the semester, students work with a partner to research a country and present what they learned to the class.

This theory is important to me because I see that students are more interested and remember more when they are part of the lesson. They are not only listening to information. They are talking about it, working with it, and connecting it to something meaningful.

John Dewey

The philosopher who stands out to me is John Dewey. I like his belief that students should be involved in their learning and that lessons should connect to real life. He did not believe students should only sit, listen, and memorize information. He believed students should learn by asking questions, working with others, solving problems, and having experiences they can learn from.

John Dewey is important to me because his ideas connect to the way I want to teach. I want my students to understand why they are learning something and how they can use it outside of the classroom. I also want my classroom to be a place where students feel comfortable sharing ideas and learning from one another.

My Instructional Inspiration: Rita Pierson

The educator I chose is Rita Pierson. She was a teacher and counselor who worked in education for 40 years. In her TED Talk, Every Kid Needs a Champion, she explains how important it is for teachers to build relationships with their students and let students know that someone believes in them.

Rita Pierson inspires me because her message matches what I believe about teaching. Students need clear expectations and teachers who hold them accountable, but they also need to know that their teacher cares about them. She was positive, encouraging, honest, and passionate about helping students succeed.

My experiences in the classroom have shown me that students are more willing to participate, ask questions, and try difficult things when they feel safe and supported. This is why I work hard to build positive relationships with my students. I recognize their effort, celebrate their growth, and remind them that mistakes are a normal part of learning.

I also believe discipline should help students learn how to make better choices instead of only punishing them. I want my students to know that I will be honest with them, hold them to high expectations, and continue helping them grow. Rita Pierson’s message reminds me that being a teacher is not only about teaching a subject. It is also about being someone who supports students and believes they can succeed.

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