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Learning should be fun, and certainly doesn't need to be static. Learning should be engaging and entertaining. I say "should" because I still encounter a lot of teachers and students that still hold onto the traditional views of lecturing and listening.

Learning should be both educational and fun. An engaging and energetic classroom where students feel they have a voice in their educational process will determine how much learning (& retention) occur. Learning is not static, it should be always changing as new ideas are discovered and introduced.

Learning is a stimulating activity that may be conscious or unconscious--either way, the learner is actively engaged physically, mentally or emotionally. For teachers, I feel it is there responsibility to activate one or more of these states while leading a classroom. Learning is not something that can be confined within a classroom instead it is a place where it begins. While being engaged in one of these states the process of learning extends beyond the classroom and ripples throughout their lives.

Learning is a life time project, which is not affected by age or gender. Learning is a process which like the above comment said, should be fun and invigorating.

I believe that learning should be empowering. It should be something that we do continually both as teachers and as part of a larger community. As teachers we should strive to impart a thirst for learning in our students with each activity being used as a stepping stone to other opportunities. Learning should be interesting and not forced. It should also be applicable and connectable(?) to our own individual realities.

I firmly believe that learning, if done so in a fun, creative, and engaging environment, awakens a sense of curiosity in students that encourages them to become lifelong learners. Learning empowers students to take charge of their future and actively participate in forming their life experiences. Learning gives students direction and allows them to have a deeper understanding of who they are as individuals and who they wish to become. With that being said, learning should never involve experiences that create anxiety or fear in students which may hinder their ability to acquire knowledge.

I believe that Learning is a continuous cycle that never really ends. The ability to know that you can go out and have a right to seek knowledge is an empowering feeling that everyone should harbor. Knowing that learning is more like a cause and effect helps me to visually understand and remember what my Philosophy on Learning is. Everyone is a learner as well as an educator, when people fully understand this then they can excel in life. We can all learn from one another and in turn our own knowledge and personal experience can contribute to someone else's learning. I also strongly feel that the cycle of learning is continuous and one can never fully know everything about anything. The reality that we are continuously learning in all we do in life is a humbling thought and one that should motivate us to seek knowledge in all aspects of our life.

I believe learning needs to be engaging and interactive. Students need to be encouraged to participate in lectures and discussions, for two reasons; first, they need to know they have the ability to speak up and say what’s on their mind, whether its good bad or indifferent. Secondly, by engaging students, the instructor gets input on what information is being received by the students. The next approach I feel is needed in learning is the material needs to be up to date/current and entertaining. I know not every topic is exciting, but there are ways to lighten up a subject, so that you as an instructor does not lose your students. I personally have used this philosophy in the work place, every time I have taught a class.

Learning needs to be practiced. Being efficient and concentrating your efforts on learning what is important is a challenge. Sifting through information can become overwhelming and it is possible to overlook key points. For this, learning is a skill that can be developed and improved upon overtime. The more subjects a student explores, the more they will find a common theme; that no matter what it is your are attempting to learn, there are specific skills that can improve your ability to understand and master new concepts.

My philosophy of learning is the connection one has with their students. I feel if you can establish a good connection with your students and they can feel comfortable with you and the environment that they are in it will the students and their learning. I also think a fun class that is creative and allows students be creative within themselves will be a successful one. I feel it is important for everyone to be unique and come together in a classroom and share with one another. One of my goals in a classroom is when my students walk through the door they feel as though they are walking into a big family that accepts, and does not judge. A classroom that everyone can show their own value that they bring to our big family.

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Learning. As I read the previous responses I found myself agreeing with their philosophies. However a creeping doubt of "real-world" plagued me. Good intention; if only life was a result of. I am of the opinion engagement, fun, developing positive relationships, are all part of what a good teacher wants and strives for. Kudos!

Yet, as we all know, reaching the bright and articulate students are a slam-dunk in terms of engagement and learning, but it is the students who do not want to be in class learning or are disinterested in the subject matter who are the students we must engage and connect with most. The ones in the back of the class. The ones who are disruptive. The ones who don't care about education. The ones who go only through the motions. These are the students we must embrace because much of what they have to offer cannot be permitted to languish. Hence my philosophy to learning is to reach and connect with all students through creative and out of the box thinking/actions. Too many teachers tell me there isn't enough time or resources to effectively reach students who are failing or don't care. The present solution is to place said students in alternative classes, which come with a price for the students and society - stigma. Credit recovery classes and such, only make students feel less worthy and as a sub who has taught in those classes, I heard many of their frustrations. But mostly I heard anger. Anger at everything and at most everyone. Too many of these students are dropping out of school at the first chance they get. Their future diminished because of an educational system-wide failure.

Recently I heard a politician suggest forcing students to stay in school until they are 18. I do not know if this was an off-the-cuff remark or if any research was done that demonstrates changing the dropout age will make a significant difference using the same tactics currently employed in education. Thus, I am skeptical.

Some philosophical learning strategies I would use include, greeting at the door, listening critically, implementing lesson plans that involve all students in ways not currently done, such as backchannel-ing, the use of interactive visual multimedia mediums (text messaging, etc), role-playing skits, and field-trips; including to homeless shelters and prisons in addition to museums and cultural events.

It's a competitive global world and students must understand in order to have a life with dignity, they must compete, and excel, in whatever they chose to do in life. We must prepare them for the real world and realize that a student who drops out is a failure on all of us.

I do not understand why my name is not on the previous post. I signed in! This is Felix Millan.