Running Head: PHILOSPHY OF EDUCATION 1
Philosophy of Education
College of Education, Grand Canyon University
SEC-502: Foundations in Secondary Education for Graduate Students
, PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION 2
Purpose of Education
The purpose of education is to prepare. We live in a society that is complex and
constructed. Students attend school to learn and gain a better understanding of the world around
them, but also learn how to learn. I believe that below the curriculums and lesson plans, learning
how to learn should be the ultimate purpose of education.
We live in a day in age whereinformation is readily available, calculators are in our
pockets, and spell checks are built into our software. It is learning how and when to use your
resources that is the purpose of education. Understanding the concept that answers are already
there, they key is knowing how to use your tools and resources to find them.
Meeting the Learning Needs of Diverse Students Using Standards-Based Instruction
Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development provides a great analysis of the relationship
between teacher and student, as well as a technique to meet the learning needs of all students.
“Educators and parents need to instruct students about purposeful practice and help them
internalize the necessary mechanisms to reach just beyond their current grasps. Every learner
deserves a reasonable chance at success, and working within a student's ZPD is a proven way to
help every learner become self-motivated.” (Silver, 2011) Debbie Silver (2011) also stated,
“Teachers should be able to break desired skills into logical parts and to be attentive to things
they can do to facilitate students "getting a foothold" on the problem. Often what is asked of
students is not so much insurmountable as it is just too wide a gap skilled teacher.”
It is the responsibility of the educator to meet the learner where they are. With the
assistance of standards, teachers can use their observations to create lessons that can be taught
and approached in a variety of ways.
Philosophy of Education
College of Education, Grand Canyon University
SEC-502: Foundations in Secondary Education for Graduate Students
, PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION 2
Purpose of Education
The purpose of education is to prepare. We live in a society that is complex and
constructed. Students attend school to learn and gain a better understanding of the world around
them, but also learn how to learn. I believe that below the curriculums and lesson plans, learning
how to learn should be the ultimate purpose of education.
We live in a day in age whereinformation is readily available, calculators are in our
pockets, and spell checks are built into our software. It is learning how and when to use your
resources that is the purpose of education. Understanding the concept that answers are already
there, they key is knowing how to use your tools and resources to find them.
Meeting the Learning Needs of Diverse Students Using Standards-Based Instruction
Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development provides a great analysis of the relationship
between teacher and student, as well as a technique to meet the learning needs of all students.
“Educators and parents need to instruct students about purposeful practice and help them
internalize the necessary mechanisms to reach just beyond their current grasps. Every learner
deserves a reasonable chance at success, and working within a student's ZPD is a proven way to
help every learner become self-motivated.” (Silver, 2011) Debbie Silver (2011) also stated,
“Teachers should be able to break desired skills into logical parts and to be attentive to things
they can do to facilitate students "getting a foothold" on the problem. Often what is asked of
students is not so much insurmountable as it is just too wide a gap skilled teacher.”
It is the responsibility of the educator to meet the learner where they are. With the
assistance of standards, teachers can use their observations to create lessons that can be taught
and approached in a variety of ways.
