Educational Philosophy

My class is experiential in nature. My students are at the heart of the curriculum; I'm always adjusting and modifying my lessons from day to day and year to year.

It is possible to have fun in school.  It is also possible to have fun while learning.  The best lessons I've ever taught, are those in which students have so much fun they don't realize they're learning...and that's the type of learning they remember forever :)    I believe, especially in middle school, it is important to teach to the whole child - social, emotional, and academic.  Therefore, many of my lessons have elements of all three. 

      In teaching social studies, I believe there is a core of historical facts for students to know the rest of their lives.  However, the most important element of social studies is knowing what to do with those facts.  It's not possible to learn everything about world history/cultures in nine months; consequently, I focus on social studies skills (cause and effect, problem-solving etc.) A lot of time in my classes will be spent building, creating, designing, analyzing, exploring and evaluating.  I aim to develop a positive attitude in my students, as well as consistent effort .

Work Hard  --  Have Fun  :)

Social Studies Department | High Ability Learners' Page |Middle School North | CUSD95 Home

Author: Dan Morvaji
Sponsor: Dr. Nate Carter
Webmaster: Jeff Platt
Updated: 08/03/2010