Developing a Personal Philosophy
So how do you know what you believe, so you can measure that against the curriculum you choose or develop, or the one that is chosen for you? Table 2.7 provides a simple but effective way for you to construct a personal philosophy and compare your beliefs with any of the many curricula described in this chapter or any not described.
The questions listed vertically on the left, when considered as a whole, represent a cohesive but concise philosophical statement. Think carefully about how to answer them. Consider how your values and assumptions about families, the way you were raised, and your own experiences with education might influence the way you answer the questions. As you reflect on the information presented in this chapter and continue to do your own research about curricula that interest you, propose answers to each of the questions from the perspective of the curriculum developers. As you look across the chart, you should be able to see how one curriculum compares with another, and with your own beliefs.