Before starting any article on a philosophy of education, it is important to define the terms used so that both the author and the reader are “on the same page” . Webster's New World Dictionary, in the third definition, defines philosophy as “the general principles or laws of a field of knowledge” (p. 1015). Education is also defined in the first definition as “the process of training and developing knowledge, skill, mind, character, etc., esp. from formal education” (p. 432). Thus, a philosophy of education would be the elaboration and discussion of the general principles of the formation and development of the knowledge, skill, mind and character of a person or people. With the term philosophy of education, I can say that the philosophy of education that is most in line with mine would be the general educational philosophy called progressivism, sometimes also called constructivism. I find a close affinity with this philosophy, with some differences and variations that tend not to fundamentally alter the overall philosophical approach, but rather to enrich and broaden its scope. Progressivism is defined by specific characteristics that are child/student centered. Progressivism is identified as a philosophy in which:1) students are active and self-motivated,2) each student is recognized with unique needs and interests that can be used in the educational process,3) the teacher acts as a facilitator, using the method interests and needs of students to cultivate their desire to learn, 4) create an active and interesting environment, allowing the child's natural interest and activity to take root, 5) such an environment allows students to build knowledge as they interact with the environment ,6) a...... paper medium......initiates and expands the principles beyond just the student to help transform the classroom into a community, where students are allowed to function as human beings and where the environment supports learning. References Metropolitan Omaha Educational Consortium (MOEC) Combined Elementary Task Force, Omaha, NE: University of Nebraska at Omaha. (1999). Principles of brain-based learning. Retrieved November 28, 2004, from http://www.unocoe.unomaha.edu/brainbased.htm.Funderstanding.com, Inc. (2001). Brain-based learning. Retrieved November 26, 2004, from http://www.funderstanding.com/brain_based_learning.cfmJenson Learning Corporation. (n.d.). Brain-based learning: where is the evidence? Retrieved November 28, 2004, from http://www.jlcbrain.com/truth.htmlKohn. Alfio. (2001) Beyond discipline: from conformity to community. Prentice Hall, New Jersey.