Philosophy of Learning and Teaching

Renée Claire Tafoya
April 2006

A democracy depends on an educated and active citizenry. In a time of shrinking educational budgets and more political scrutiny over the educational process, I think it is more important than ever to expand opportunities for learning to as many citizens as possible. Our world is changing politically and industrially. Many people need job retraining or further education in order to keep their jobs. In addition to providing these economic benefits, I believe that the process of learning benefits society in general by promoting tolerance, political awareness, and creative problem solving.

My role as an adult educator is to be sensitive to the different styles of learning, the barriers that students face, and to impart both the primary message of the subject as well as the secondary lesson of citizenship and participation.