My teaching philosophy
Students are people first, and it is my priority to provide and create an inclusive, respectful, and safe classroom environment. I believe that teachers need to help students adapt to being part of a diverse community. My goal is to educate students while building relationships and fostering a positive climate in my classroom.
I am committed to developing lessons that reflect students’ interests and enhance engagement. One example of this is to encourage personalization of projects whenever possible to get students invested in what they make. I will endeavor to assist the students in acquiring knowledge and experience through hands-on learning and skill-building exercises.
My teaching philosophy includes the necessity of making real world connections to the classroom so that students will see the lesson as significant and meaningful as they transition to the world outside of school. Sometimes students will ask, "Why is this is important to know?". I want to provide the “why” aspect for students in my teaching to help them to connect what they are learning and the safety to their own life. It’s important for students to understand that what they learn in school can and will be used outside of school.
And lastly, on top of all this I want to guide and encourage students to be life-long learners. Why?....Because at the end of their time in high school students will still need to go on learning and adapting to an evolving digital world. This is why we all need to be life-long learners.
“The most important attitude that can be formed is that of a desire to go on learning.” John Dewey
I look forward to meeting you in person at the next school function, or feel free to drop by and visit the wood or metal shops.
Mr. Thirsk, B.Ed.
PMSS - Technology Education Teacher