Here is one simple explanation of student-centered vs. teacher-
centered (or teacher-directed) learning. This is from wikipedia, but
you can find similar lists just by googling "student-centered
learning."
Characteristics of Student-centred learning
Students are active participants in their learning
Students make decisions about what they will learn and how
Students construct new knowledge and skills by building on their
current knowledge and skills
Students understand expectations and are encouraged to use self-
assessment measures
Sudents work in collaboration with other learners
Students work demonstrates authentic learning
Teachers recognize different learning styles
Teachers help students work through difficulties by asking open-ended
questions to guide the student so that they arrive at a conclusion or
solution that is satisfactory to them
Learning is an active search for meaning by the learner;-constructing
knowledge rather than passively receiving it, shaping as well as being
shaped by experiences
Students monitor their own learning, to understand how knowledge is
acquired, and to develop strategies for learning
Students are intrinsically motivated to reach goals they have set for
themselves
Students make decisions about group membership; who they will work
with and how
What student-centred learning is NOT:
In teacher-directed instruction:
Students work to meet the objectives set by the teacher
Students complete activities designed by the teacher to achieve goals
determined by the teacher
Students respond to directions and step by step instruction from the
teacher as they progress through activities
Students are given extrinsic motivators like grades and rewards as a
means of motivating them to complete work
Students work in groups determined by the teacher-the teacher is in
control of group membership
Student work is evaluated solely by the teacher
Now student-centered learning is the new big thing in education. But
many people don't really understand what it means. And it is ironic
that the grade level expectations and comprehensive curriculum are
both teacher-centered in that the state has determined in detail the
content to be taught and has set parameters regarding how it will be
taught, but the state then calls on teachers to do that in a student-
centered way.
What the good teacher does is find the best path for the group of
students he or she is teaching. The good teacher uses teacher-
centered learning when best and student-centered learning when best
and realizes that it doesn't have to be either/or.
But it is perilous to presume that young children can direct their own
learning and that they don't need a solid structure and a solid
foundation before they start making decisions on how and what they
will learn.
This is all nonsense in fact when we start with state-driven mandates
of what will be taught and how it will be taught and end with state-
mandated tests that assess learning. There must be a focus on teacher-
directed learning in such an environment.
On 3/18/07, HS Teacher wrote:
> I don't think Sarah and "oh yeah" are the same. Sarah simply wanted
> to know how she could get hired to work on the CC in order to make
> $6000. You then asked her for free input to help you make your
> $6000.
>
> As for the second poster, I, too, would like to know what your term
> means. I am the mother of three children who were GT as they went
> through school, but I don't think that as Pre-K they would have been
> served by less teacher direction. At that age, children are new to
> learning and to school. The term you used just needs to be
> clarified to some of us.
>
> On 3/16/07, Michele LA wrote:
>> On 3/15/07, oh yeah wrote:
>>> Oh, yeah. Pre-K students really need less teacher direction and
>>> more finding their own path. You've said the politically
>>> correct education terms, i.e., "less teacher directed and more
>>> child/centers based." Now what do you really mean by that? Are
>>> the little Pre-K kids going to contruct their own framework of
>>> learning? Oh, yeah.
>>
>> Wow. Thanks for the sarcastic remarks. They are so informative and
>> helpful. How wise and thoughtful of you to give feedback that can
>> be used to IMPROVE the CC. I'm sure your vast training and
>> experience is just wasted and no one has recognized your genius in
>> the education field. Thanks again for sharing those wonderfully
>> insightful comments! I won't bother you again.
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