Jim Kilbane - Portfolio

"The best thing for being sad," replied Merlin, beginning to puff and blow, "is to learn something. That is the only thing that never fails." from T.H. White's The Once and Future King

Philosophy of Teaching

Learning is an inquiry process, an on-going exploration into understanding how the world works and one’s role in that world. I believe that people are naturally curious and the role of education is to build upon that curiosity, not impede it. My background in ecology and understanding of living systems theory informs me that this world is complex. My role as a teacher is to simplify so that learners can begin to understand the complexities and their identity within those complexities. Click here for a pdf version of my philosophy of teaching and learning.

Inquiry in the Classroom

Learning is an inquiry process, an on-going exploration into understanding how the world works and one’s role in that world. I believe that people are naturally curious and the role of education is to build upon that curiosity, not impede it. It is the job of an educator to design a space in which that inquiry can occur and to facilitate the use of that space by students in finding answers to their own questions.

Integrated Curriculum

My work with integrated curriculum is based on the work of James Beane. For me an integrated curriculum begins with student questions about the world and community in which they live. It involves the students constructing knowledge about that world in a setting distinguished by collaboration and caring appreciation for one another. It crosses disciplines and requires the development and practice of a creative critical inquiry on the part of the learner and the teacher who is facilitating the process.

Teaching Methods

Evidence of Success in Teaching

Please click here for a response on my evidence of success as a teacher.

Click here for a summary of end-of-course evaluations (also included in above document).

Jim Kilbane -- Professional Portfolio

Jim Kilbane -- Teaching & Learning

Related Links

Sample Assignment Links

Philosophy of Teaching

Inquiry in the Classroom

Integrated Curriculum

Teaching Methods

Evidence of Success in Teaching

College-level Teaching

Sample Assignments

Middle School Level Teaching Sample Assignments