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A.L.I.V.E! Kriner Home Learn More Standards Inspiration About the Author |
About the Author
About the Author-Joel Kriner
My educational philosophy was impacted dramatically early in my teaching career while working on the Big Island at Hawaii’s first Public-Charter school. My school was outdoors (virtually on the beach) and had no physical classroom, yet our students had some of the highest test scores in the state. It was at this time that I learned that student achievement was not based on funding or infrastructure. Student achievement was a result of passion, the passion of the teachers and administration and the passion of the students. Over the years, this passion has led my curriculum decisions and helped me increase my knowledge in pertinent educational topics and teaching methods.I have since taken my educational philosophy to the mainland where I am finishing up my third year at a wonderful elementary school in Napa County.
My educational philosophy was impacted dramatically early in my teaching career while working on the Big Island at Hawaii’s first Public-Charter school. My school was outdoors (virtually on the beach) and had no physical classroom, yet our students had some of the highest test scores in the state. It was at this time that I learned that student achievement was not based on funding or infrastructure. Student achievement was a result of passion, the passion of the teachers and administration and the passion of the students. Over the years, this passion has led my curriculum decisions and helped me increase my knowledge in pertinent educational topics and teaching methods.I have since taken my educational philosophy to the mainland where I am finishing up my third year at a wonderful elementary school in Napa County.
My Teaching Philosophy
My teaching philosophy is based on the philosophy of "real-world" learning. Students work so hard on reports and projects, I find it a shame that only I (the teacher) am able to view the incredible work of my students. I want my students to know that their work and effort is not just practice but can be used in the "real world" to positively impact others and create change. I frequently ask my students how they will "Go Public" with their project, which means how will they reach folks outside of our classroom? This is when the real excitement of learning begins...
Reflections on your Journey
Have you ever wished you had learned something earlier in your career that would have been powerful for both you and your audience? For me, that thing is TPACK. TPACK (technological pedagogical and content knowledge) is a practice that teachers can use to enhance student learning opportunities in a technology-based environment. After learning that the TPACK process can be applied to my lessons, many doors have been opened. I have always thought of what to teach (content), how to teach it (pedagogy) and how to incorporate technology in my lessons, but never as a combined strategy for enhanced student learning. When I began my capstone project (Advanced Learners InVigorate Education), the TPACK concept was just beginning to develop in my mind. Over time, I began to understand that a great lesson plan can always be improved and become more dimensional by using the practice of TPACK. Because my capstone project is a resource for teachers including advanced-learner teaching strategies, I made sure that I focused more on the "how" the "what" and also infused technology whenever possible. I believe that my use of TPACK as a reference point while developing my capstone project has led to a dynamic, multi-level, user-friendly, and modern resource that I hope teachers will use with their students for years to come.
Lasting Learning from the Innovative Learning program
I was fortunate to be contacted by Napa Learns a few years ago about continuing my education, which is something that I had been considering for several years. Being involved in the Touro Innovative Learning Masters program while being supported by Napa Learns has been an incredible experience for me. My vision has widened and I have already been able to implement many of the skills learned from the program. I have found myself more observant and more willing to take risks as an educator. As I am finishing up my fifteen year of education, I am excited to use these new skills and strategies with my students for years to come.