Student-Centered Learning

Student-Centered Learning

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Definition(s)

There are several ways that student-centered learning can be described, and they all lead back to the same basic idea, the student. First, student-centered learning can be defined as a discipline that involves the interaction of a team of students that experience creative learning to be used in the real world (Thornburg, 1995). Thornburg (1995) also mention that students are essential to the classroom, just like a team member is essential to a game. He says that teachers are part of the definition of student-centered learning, but they are not the main attraction. The students are the focus, and the teacher is the one who can assist among small groups of students. Eaton (1994) describes student-centered learning as the opposite if "teacher-centered". Another way of looking at student-centered learning is that the goals of a system (school) should meet the goals of the students (Harmon, & Hirumi, 1996). Next, the definition that naming students as "partners" with teachers in education can be part of the student-centered learning process (Alley, 1996). Lastly, Csete and Gentry (1995) use the term "learner controlled instruction" instead of a student-centered approach. Learner controlled instruction can be termed as when the learner has some control in the type of instruction that is given. The control factors can range from "procedures" to "time restraints" to "evaluation". The point is that each student’s needs are different and in student-centered learning and learner controlled instruction the learner can decide how and what they want to learn, to function in the real world.

Methods and Materials used in Student-Centered Learning

Harmon and Hirumi (1...

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...linear fashion by using interactive, discovery methods. The use and improvements of technologies like the computer, multimedia programs (Thornburg, 1995), and distance learning (Harmon, & Hirumi 1996) are also shifts from the teacher-centered approach to student-centered approach. The students now like to learn because of the technological influences in the schools (Thornburg, 1995). As a result of these strategies to student-centered learning, school is not just a small period in a child’s life, it is "lifelong learning", and each student can learn what is important to them (Thornburg, 1995).

In conclusion, the shift to schools using the student-centered approach lets students take on a proactive role by working with others, using a variety of resources, and learning and evaluating skills on a continuous basis that they can use throughout life (Alley, 1996).