120 hr. TEFL Course Module 7-Pedagogy (Pt.7 Student-Centeed)

Module 7: Pedagogy

7.1.6 Student-centered learning

While constructivism was student centered, there is a movement in modern education for a broader embrace of student-centered learning, even if it is not technically considered constructivist. Since the ideas of student-centered learning have already been covered in constructivism and by the clarity of the title, we will focus this section on how theorists believe student-centered learning benefits students.

• Research shows that student-centered learning works because a student’s potential for learning relies heavily on what he or she already knows. This can affect what new information is important to the student, how he or she processes new information, and how he or she determines what is important. With student-centered learning, students are more free and able to work at their own pace, starting at their ability level or base of knowledge.

• One of the most important parts of learning is reflection; having students look back at what they learned, how they learned it, and where they need to go from here. A less teacher-centered environment allows students more opportunities for this type of reflection on learning.

• Students who are involved in student-centered learning have reportedly been more motivated and satisfied by the school experience. This is because they are more likely to feel satisfied with their work than if they were simply doing what the teacher told them to do.

• Student-centered learning is more open to differentiation, which allows all students with developmental, cognitive, or other differences to progress. A teacher leading the class is much more likely to need all of his or her students to reach a specific point at the end of the lesson. Students working independently can set their own goals.

• One of the biggest obstacles that teachers have to face is the student who is not engaged. Studies have shown that asking students to move around, control their learning, and take responsibility for their development leads to more motivation and progress than in traditional classrooms.