solution to education crisis – Part 3

solution to education crisis – Part 3

Part III

Philosophy:

My philosophy has evolved exclusively from pragmatic observations of the reality in the classroom. At the heart of this initiative is the belief that every child has the potential for outstanding academic achievement. The key to unlocking this potential is to integrate the dynamics of human nature into the teaching process. More specifically, optimal learning requires a child centered perspective which customizes teaching around the student’s sophistication level and cultural perspective. Eventually I realized that philosophy, curriculum priorities, and teaching methodology are all inextricably interconnected and all revolve around the fulcrum of human nature.

Because of the complexity of this matrix, it is explained best by reviewing how my thinking evolved. My journey started with a simple quest to make learning fun. I began with an effort to understand and harness what I came to view as the “axioms” of learning. People learn best when:

- They are high functioning (well adjusted, self-confident, high self-esteem, positive self-image, positive attitude about life and learning.

- They expect to succeed.

- The teaching process is customized around student skill levels and cultural perspectives.

- The learning process is fun.

- They are motivated to know what teachers are trying to teach.

- The learning process is physically and intellectually interactive.

What followed was a series of discoveries which kept expanding the scope of my vision. One thing, inexorably, led to another. My analyses of motivation led to the realization that all the dynamics of human nature can be harnessed to motivate learning. Next, I realized that personality (not IQ) determines school performance. This focused my attention on the stages of personality development and the critical role of preschools as the incubators of self-image. I believe the attitudes formed in preschool determine the parameters of everything that happens later.

The Leapfrog Learning Center has an 18 year track record demonstrating universal success teaching Kindergarten skills to four year olds. Eventually, I realized that accelerated learning is the key to educational revolution because it means we can add new curriculum priorities without compromising academics. Grounded by the perspective of early personality development, I began to focus on two characteristics that seem important to all age groups … social interaction skills and emotional maturity. Both are essential to successful personal relationships as well as successful performance in the workplace. Finally, I realized that technology is the missing link to our educational future because it opens new dimensions of interactive learning.

Visit the leapfrog learning center nj and see where the solution to the education crisis evolved