Interview Answers to Tough Questions
Teaching/Education Philosophy Statements
Why did
you become a teacher? What do you believe about students learning? How do
you see the role of teachers in a community? All of these questions, and
more, are clarified in your statement of educational philosophy, a document
you likely wrote in your credential program and haven't examined in awhile.
If you never defined your philosophy in the first place, here's how to do
it and an example of how it's done. While studying to be teachers, you
are often asked to write out our personal educational philosophies. This is
not just an empty exercise, a paper only meant to be filed in the back of a
drawer. To the contrary, your educational philosophy statement should be a
document that serves to guide and inspire you throughout your teaching
career. It captures the positive aspirations of your career and should act
as a centerpiece around which all of your decisions rotate.
When writing your educational philosophy statement, consider the
following:
- What do you see is the grander purpose of education in a society
and community?
- What, specifically, is the role of the teacher in the classroom?
- How do you believe students learn best?
- In general, what are you goals for your students?
- What qualities do you believe an effective teacher should have?
- Do you believe that all students can learn?
- What do teachers owe their students?
- Your educational philosophy can guide your discussions in job
interviews, be placed in a teaching portfolio, and even be
communicated to students and their parents.
Sample Portfolios:
- Sample Teaching Philosophy-I believe the fundamental goal
of teaching is to foster learning. Learning takes place in many
different circumstances and contexts. Although everyone is capable
of learning, a student's desire to learn is a vital pre-condition to
effectively mastering new concepts and skills. Humans have multiple
learning styles: some learn best in lecture atmospheres, some are
motivated by discussion, and others absorb best when they read and
reflect on what they have read. The classroom setting can encourage
or inhibit learning depending on the dominant learning style of each
student. Accommodating different learning styles creates an
atmosphere that is conducive to learning. Students take many of
their learning habits from the instructor. If the instructor doesn't
show interest in the subject and a passion for learning, students
are less likely to put forth the effort to learn in that class. An
instructor must convince students of his or her knowledge and
expertise before they will show a willingness to learn.
My job, as an instructor, is to create an atmosphere that fosters
learning. I am an instructor because I have a passion for guiding
students through the learning process, in addition to a passion for
the material I present. One of the best ways to foster learning is
to demonstrate those feelings to my students. I encourage learning
by creating a relaxed environment for students, stimulating
conversation about concepts being presented and organizing material
in a way that makes it easiest to understand. I treat subject matter
as interconnected, emphasizing that everything students are learning
fits together into a holistic understanding of the world, from which
they develop their personal worldview. I believe this is best
accomplished when I am demonstrating general research methodology. I
demonstrate that learning how to find information applies to all
areas of life and I use topics and examples that are
multidisciplinary. Finally, I believe that respect for my students
is one of the most important things I can show - not only to
encourage their openness to the material I am presenting, but also
to inspire them to respect each other and all other humans.
One of the most important concepts I hope to impart to students is
that learning is a process that never ends. For me, the learning
process includes improving myself professionally. I want to read
more about formal learning theories to expand my understanding of
how learning takes place. As I continue to instruct classes, I also
aim to enhance my ease and confidence in front of classrooms and
audiences. Finally, I plan to experiment with different methods and
means of presenting information to classes in order to improve the
learning atmosphere I create for students.
- PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION STATEMENT
Education opens the door to a world of opportunities. As an
educator, I see my role as a guide, leading my students in a quest
to obtain the key (education) and encouraging them to utilize it to
unlock the door to a bright future. To that end, I strive not only
to share my knowledge but also to ignite in my students a passion
for learning that will last a lifetime. Ultimately, my goal is for
each one of my students to become a productive citizen of our world
and to reach his or her full potential in life.
In teaching world languages, I facilitate the learning of speaking,
listening, reading and writing skills in order to prepare my
students to begin communicating in a foreign language while
nurturing an understanding and appreciation of other cultures. The
basic, fundamental skills they master in my class will enable my
students to continue learning languages at the next level and
beyond. Being a passionate, life long learner of languages myself, I
strive to make my passion contagious. To that end, I endeavor to
make my lessons engaging, tapping in to the interests and strengths
of my students as often as feasible by allowing them to decide what
direction to take on various assignments.
Each child is a unique individual whose learning style and attitudes
may reflect his or her own interests, strengths and challenges,
background, beliefs, experiences and personality. Taking the time to
talk with my students, to listen to them, and to observe them in the
classroom prove invaluable tools for me in evaluating their
individual learning styles and attitudes. In turn, the knowledge I
gain aids me in reaching them on an individual level.
- Teaching Philosophy
Keeping the diverse needs of my students in mind, I utilize a
variety of approaches for presenting the material I teach. For
example, I may introduce a concept through a short lecture with
notes on the board, include pair work or a group activity, and then
follow up with a song or game to review the material. I am a strong
believer in the value of homework, as it not only reinforces the
day's lesson but also allows the student the opportunity to evaluate
his or her mastery of the material and to determine which concepts
need more attention.
In assessing progress toward reaching the high expectations I hold
for each student, I offer each child multiple opportunities for
success. Taking into account their diverse learning styles, I
provide students outlets to demonstrate their mastery of the subject
through presentations, projects and writing assignments in addition
to homework, quizzes and tests. I am flexible to employ various
methods of assessment which will allow my students to demonstrate
their learning accomplishments, as I truly desire for every student
to enjoy success in my classroom.
While I guide my students on their learning path, my students will
have the best opportunity for success in life when our entire
learning community--teachers, parents, administrators, and state
officials--works as a team to provide them the best possible
education. Collaborative efforts allow us to learn from each other,
to improve as guides on our quest to educate, and to offer the most
relevant education possible for our students. When we accomplish our
goals to instill a passion for learning, prepare all students to
become productive citizens and to reach their full potential, the
door to opportunity will open wide for every student.
- Teaching Philosophy Statement
I believe that each child is a unique individual who needs a secure,
caring, and stimulating atmosphere in which to grow and mature
emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially. It is my
desire as a educator to help students meet their fullest potential
in these areas by providing an environment that is safe, supports
risk-taking, and invites a sharing of ideas. There are three
elements that I believe are conducive to establishing such an
environment, (1) the teacher acting as a guide, (2) allowing the
child's natural curiosity to direct his/her learning, and (3)
promoting respect for all things and all people.
When the teacher's role is to guide, providing access to information
rather than acting as the primary source of information, the
students' search for knowledge is met as they learn to find answers
to their questions. For students to construct knowledge, they need
the opportunity to discover for themselves and practice skills in
authentic situations. Providing students access to hands-on
activities and allowing adequate time and space to use materials
that reinforce the lesson being studied creates an opportunity for
individual discovery and construction of knowledge to occur.
Equally important to self-discovery is having the opportunity to
study things that are meaningful and relevant to one's life and
interests. Developing a curriculum around student interests fosters
intrinsic motivation and stimulates the passion to learn. One way to
take learning in a direction relevant to student interest is to
invite student dialogue about the lessons and units of study. Given
the opportunity for input, students generate ideas and set goals
that make for much richer activities than I could have created or
imagined myself. When students have ownership in the curriculum,
they are motivated to work hard and master the skills necessary to
reach their goals.
Helping students to develop a deep love and respect for themselves,
others, and their environment occurs through an open sharing of
ideas and a judicious approach to discipline. When the voice of each
student is heard, and environment evolves where students feel free
to express themselves. Class meetings are one way to encourage such
dialogue. I believe children have greater respect for their
teachers, their peers, and the lessons presented when they feel safe
and sure of what is expected of them. In setting fair and consistent
rules initially and stating the importance of every activity,
students are shown respect for their presence and time. In turn they
learn to respect themselves, others, and their environment.
For myself, teaching provides an opportunity for continual learning
and growth. One of my hopes as an educator is to instill a love of
learning in my students, as I share my own passion for learning with
them. I feel there is a need for compassionate, strong, and
dedicated individuals who are excited about working with children.
In our competitive society it is important for students to not only
receive a solid education, but to work with someone who is aware of
and sensitive to their individual needs. I am such a person and will
always strive to be the best educator that I can be.
Ten Tough Interview Questions and Ten Great Answers
(from
CollegeGrad.com)
Tell me about yourself.
It seems like an easy interview question. Its open ended. I can talk
about whatever I want from the birth canal forward. Right?
Wrong. What the hiring manager really wants is a quick, two- to
three-minute snapshot of who you are and why you're the best candidate
for this position.
So as you answer this question, talk about what you've done to prepare
yourself to be the very best candidate for the position. Use an example
or two to back it up. Then ask if they would like more details. If they
do, keep giving them example after example of your background and
experience. Always point back to an example when you have the
opportunity.
Tell me about yourself does not mean tell me everything. Just tell me
what makes you the best.
Why should I hire you?
The easy answer is that you are the best person for the job. And don't
be afraid to say so. But then back it up with what specifically
differentiates you.
For example: You should hire me because I'm the best person for the job.
I realize that there are likely other candidates who also have the
ability to do this job. Yet I bring an additional quality that makes me
the best person for the job--my passion for excellence. I am
passionately committed to producing truly world class results. For
example . . .
Are you the best person for the job? Show it by your passionate
examples.
What is your long-range objective?
Make my job easy for me. Make me want to hire you.
The key is to focus on your achievable objectives and what you are doing
to reach those objectives.
For example: Within five years, I would like to become the very best
accountant your company has on staff. I want to work toward becoming the
expert that others rely upon. And in doing so, I feel Ill be fully
prepared to take on any greater responsibilities which might be
presented in the long term. For example, here is what Im presently doing
to prepare myself . . .
Then go on to show by your examples what you are doing to reach your
goals and objectives.
How has your education prepared you for your career?
This is a broad question and you need to focus on the behavioral
examples in your educational background which specifically align to the
required competencies for the career.
An example: My education has focused on not only the learning the
fundamentals, but also on the practical application of the information
learned within those classes. For example, I played a lead role in a
class project where we gathered and analyzed best practice data from
this industry. Let me tell you more about the results . . .
Focus on behavioral examples supporting the key competencies for the
career. Then ask if they would like to hear more examples.
Are you a team player?
Almost everyone says yes to this question. But it is not just a yes/no
question. You need to provide behavioral examples to back up your
answer.
A sample answer: Yes, I'm very much a team player. In fact, I've had
opportunities in my work, school and athletics to develop my skills as a
team player. For example, on a recent project . . .
Emphasize teamwork behavioral examples and focus on your openness to
diversity of backgrounds. Talk about the strength of the team above the
individual. And note that this question may be used as a lead in to
questions around how you handle conflict within a team, so be prepared.
Have you ever had a conflict with a boss or professor? How was it
resolved?
Note that if you say no, most interviewers will keep drilling deeper to
find a conflict. The key is how you behaviorally reacted to conflict and
what you did to resolve it.
For example: Yes, I have had conflicts in the past. Never major ones,
but there have been disagreements that needed to be resolved. I've found
that when conflict occurs, it helps to fully understand the other
persons perspective, so I take time to listen to their point of view,
then I seek to work out a collaborative solution. For example . . .
Focus your answer on the behavioral process for resolving the conflict
and working collaboratively.
What is your greatest weakness?
Most career books tell you to select a strength and present it as a
weakness. Such as: I work too much. I just work and work and work.
Wrong. First of all, using a strength and presenting it as a weakness is
deceiving. Second, it misses the point of the question.
You should select a weakness that you have been actively working to
overcome. For example: I have had trouble in the past with planning and
prioritization. However, I'm now taking steps to correct this. I just
started using a pocket planner . . . then show them your planner and how
you are using it.
Talk about a true weakness and show what you are doing to overcome it.
If I were to ask your professors to describe you, what would they
say?
This is a threat of reference check question. Do not wait for the
interview to know the answer. Ask any prior bosses or professors in
advance. And if they're willing to provide a positive reference, ask
them for a letter of recommendation.
Then you can answer the question like this:
I believe she would say I'm a very energetic person, that Im results
oriented and one of the best people she has ever worked with. Actually,
I know she would say that, because those are her very words. May I show
you her letter of recommendation?
So be prepared in advance with your letters of recommendation.
What qualities do you feel a successful manager should have?
Focus on two words: leadership and vision.
Here is a sample of how to respond: The key quality in a successful
manager should be leadership--the ability to be the visionary for the
people who are working under them. The person who can set the course and
direction for subordinates. The highest calling of a true leader is
inspiring others to reach the highest of their abilities. I'd like to
tell you about a person whom I consider to be a true leader . . .
Then give an example of someone who has touched your life and how their
impact has helped in your personal development.
If you had to live your life over again, what one thing would you
change?
Focus on a key turning point in your life or missed opportunity. Yet
also tie it forward to what you are doing to still seek to make that
change.
For example: Although I'm overall very happy with where I'm at in my
life, the one aspect I likely would have changed would be focusing
earlier on my chosen career. I had a great internship this past year and
look forward to more experience in the field. I simply wish I would have
focused here earlier. For example, I learned on my recent internship…
…then provide examples.
Stay focused on positive direction in your life and back it up with
examples.
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