As an educator in the 21st century, my teaching philosophy is focused around the student. It is vital for students to integrate their community within the classroom, encourage and support differences between their peers and include the those who are a minority of the classroom. Students learning should be a hands on experience which allows them to address social injustices, questions their learning and challenge the norms. This form of education will ensure students to become active and democratic citizens of society.

As I question my own learnings and conduct research on my inquiry my philosophy is changing as I am still learning.

My inquiry is analyzing the academic success of a student. However, now I feel I should rethink my inquiry or maybe even expand the question.

I am coaching the grade seven basketball team. In our first meeting we discussed the wardrobe expectations of the team. They were told that they were expected to wear shorts, which had to be mid thigh. One of the girls asked if there was an exception for her as she does not wear shorts. The other coach discussed that concern with her in private.

I could not help but think how that girls was feeling while addressing the question in front of everyone.I come from a strict family. My wardrobe was approved by my dad. The clothes I wore had to be a specific length. I aways felt uncomfortable when I was the odd girl out at a dance who was not wearing a dress. I wonder if that will motivate the girl to come back or never return again? If she does come back will this impact her performance?

The success I am wanting to measure in my inquiry should I change it from academic success to success in general? There are so many factors to take into consideration.

My inquiry is heavily focused on culture. Culture could with be related to the cultural background of a student or the home environment.

There is a student in my class who is going through a major shift in the home environment.  She has been an only child for ten years, but now she has new born twins as siblings.

She has been away from the class more than normal, thus, difficult to assess how she is coping with the change. The times I have sen her in the class her behaviour does not line up with the type of student she is. At times her reactions to situations are surprising. Her engagement in the class is very limited. She is seeking attention but all in the wrong ways.

As an educator, how do I support this student? Do I address my concern with the parents? Am I overthinking or over analyzing the student’s behaviour? How can I help?

The student as been aware that her mom has been expecting for the last nine months. Was that not enough time to adjust?

I can not help but think if this is a phase or a factor that will take a toll on her academic success.

After weeks of observation in my grade 4/5 class I articulated a question, which has me eager to seek some answers.

My inquiry question:  How does a student’s culture, which is practiced at home, impact a student’s motivation to achieve academic success?

I took it upon myself to have a discussion with my student advisor in regards to my question, since my question originated from her classroom. She has ample years of experience and knows her students really well. Reflecting on our conversation I realized it is essential to define “cultural background”. What do I mean about it? I do not want to simply focus on the ethnic background. I would like to explore the effects of culture practiced at home, meaning the home environment. The views of a family does in some way impact a child’s perspective of what is more important.

I hope my inquiry allows for me to become a better educator.

Let’s see what this journey has in store!