If you can't identify why you are teaching something in your classroom you shouldn't be teaching it. Students should be able to identify the reasons for your lessons, too, and should be encouraged to ask questions related to the objectives for the class. The most common reasons given to students from teachers as to why they need to learn something include: 1) Because it is in the curriculum. 2) Because you will need it in the next grade level. 3) So you can get a good grade. 4) So that you can get a good job some day.
Are these sufficient reasons for expecting students to give their best in your class? What better reasons could you provide for motivating to learn what you are teaching?
Establishing a philosophy for teaching is fundamentally important for becoming an effective teacher. This "why" of teaching is as important as the "what" and the "how."
Unfortunately, we do not spend enough time in our schools and classrooms surrounding the big questions for teaching and learning.
