Education Handbook 2008-2009.docx9
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Section 1
Teacher Education Program Organization
Education Handbook 2008-2009.docx9
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Transylvania’s Teacher Education Program
Philosophy
Teaching is an endeavor that requires individuals to have in-depth of knowledge in the
liberal arts, in their chosen major, and/or in their chosen academic specialty area(s). Those
who want to teach should understand the history and purposes of schooling as well as
current controversial issues. They must engage in the search into the meaning of life and
human nature. The goal is for the candidates who leave the Transylvania Teacher Education
Program to become transforming agents, helping to improve the lives and learning
experiences of children and young people.
The philosophy of the Teacher Education Program is humanistic constructivism.
Constructivism is based on the idea that all individuals are by nature ―meaning-seekers.‖ It is
often contrasted to behaviorism whose adherents divide concepts to be learned into small
pieces or steps to be mastered. Then they condition learners, usually through rewards (or
punishments), to acquire the necessary skills. In contrast, advocates of constructivism take a
holistic view of knowledge and learning and provide experiences that actively involve
learners. Meaning is contextualized and rooted in experience. We believe that passive
learning and memorization lead neither to understanding nor to long-term retention.
Constructivists recognize that there is a social dimension to learning, and they
advocate collaboration and cooperative learning. Humanistic, socially-oriented learning
climates are safe places where learners can ask questions, research and seek meaning. By
creating an atmosphere of respect for each learner, teachers seek to form learning
communities where candidates are taught how to question, to solve conflicts, and to dare to
risk what might be a ―wrong‖ answer or hypothesis. Diversity is valued and celebrated.