Education

At each level of the curriculum - from introductory classes to seminars in curriculum and teaching - students are exposed to the three tenets that guide Bowdoin's Education Department:

1. Be Aware of the Big Picture. The study of education sheds light on one of the United States' fundamental public institutions and on the humanistic dimensions of teaching and learning that are vital to constructing a meaningful life.  Responsible teaching depends upon a solid background in the social foundations of education.

2. Embrace Theory and Practice. Effective teaching builds on a strong foundation of content knowledge and thoughtful application of curricular and pedagogical theory to practice.  Teachers gain expertise by listening, observing, doing, and reflecting.

3. Model and Live in the Spirit of Inquiry. Excellent teachers position themselves as learners of their students and their communities and adjust their pedagogy and curriculum to meet the needs of individuals. Teachers cannot assume that others will learn as they did and do and cannot teach simply as they were taught.  Teaching is an intellectually challenging practice that requires on-going learning, self-assessment, collaboration, and research.