My teaching philosophy journey over the past fifteen years.

1. Jacqueline
Stenson
Teaching Philosophy

2. My teaching is based on a constructivist
approach to learning. This approach builds
on students’ prior learning and encourages
students to make connections between
new learning and what they already know.
My personal journey towards an inquiry approach to learning began with
my involvement in Play centre with my first child. I embraced the adult
education about learning through play and the adult role of observing
children and providing the language to add to their understanding.

3. Put simply, kidwatching is
learning to see what’s there and
using that information to create
a better classroom.
”C Burke, 1991
“

4. I continued my journey as a primary teacher encouraging
student inquiries into environmental sustainability in New Zealand.
My students embraced the inquiries into issues that had meaning
and relevance for them and their families.
They were building on their
prior knowledge, making meaning and taking action within their
community to make a difference.

5. “At its very
heart,inquiry is all
about thinking –
-thinking in order
to make
meaning”
- Kath Murdoch, 2012

6. I make connections
to real-life situations so that
students can
transfer their skills outside
the classroom.
I believe in encouraging
students to share their
thinking and to develop
questions to investigate and
evaluate.

7. Picture slide
• Bullet 1
• Bullet 2
I believe that quality relationships built on
trust and respect between; teachers and
students, and teachers and parents are
vital ingredients for student’s learning
Another important step on my journey was my
discovery of ‘Choice Theory’ and William Glasser.
His ‘psychology of personal freedom’ is a non
controlling approach to relationships and
management.
His theory enabled me to understand that people behave
to meet needs and that we are responsible for our own choices.

8. We almost always have
choices, and the better
the choice the more we
will be in control of our
lives.
William Glasser,2002
“
”

9. I believe that quality
relationships built on trust and
respect between; teachers and
students, and teachers and
parents are vital ingredients for
student’s learning.

10. Relationships and
interactions between
teachers and students
in the classroom are key
to effective teaching of
Måori students.
Russell Bishop and Mere
Berryman, Te Kotahitangata,
2009
”
“

11. I believe that all children have
a right to quality learning in a
supportive environment that
takes account of their
individual needs.

12. I believe that it is important to
respect students’ cultures and to
make connections to these within
my classroom and the wider
school environment whenever
possible.

13. The International Baccalaureate aims to develop
inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who
help to create a better and more peaceful world through
intercultural understanding and respect.
Making the PYP Happen, 2009
”
“

14. Whilst teaching overseas I was privileged to teach
many amazing Third Culture Kids. They are
internationally mobile and can often communicate in
multiple languages however
they essentially grow up missing out on part of their
own culture.

15. The benefits for TCK’s
are social but the
challenges are
personal.
If the personal
challenges are
addressed then
people can use
their talents and
skills freely.
(Betty Lou Pollack, 2001 )
“
”

16. It is important that students know why and how they are
learning so that they can make connections and reach deeper
levels of understanding.
I believe that effective teaching practice can make a
major difference to student learning outcomes.

17. As I continue to grow and
develop, both personally
and professionally, so too
does my philosophy .