I believe the purpose of education is to mold magnanimous leaders for tomorrow through discovery, creativity, and collaboration. Therefore, in the light of humanism, I believe the authentic classroom is learner-centered. Certainly, students will be incredibly knowledgeable because of the content and standards comprising their studies, but even more importantly they will be confident, responsible, and well-developed citizens. As a social studies teacher, this last point is especially poignant, for I believe it is in the study of history, politics, and the other social studies where truth is potently manifested. Thus, more important than being a conduit for academic development, the social sciences serve chiefly as an instrument of holistic human formation. Indeed, by helping each and every student to realize the immense possibilities that are within their grasp, they shall find strength and hope within themselves, even when all else seems dark and lost. This way, even the student who struggles most will be able to push the limits of one's imagination and become the best possible version of oneself.
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