Teacher-Centered Vs. Student-Centered Learning

1. Teacher-Centered Vs. Student-Centered Learning Roxana Williams Ced550 December 13th, 2010 Kelly Ennis

2. Difference Between Teacher-Centered and Student-Centered Learning There is much debate between teacher-centered and student-centered learning in the education environment. “If education and true learning ever had an authentic purpose, the student was always a central figure involved in the classroom, and his or her cooperation was crucial-without student presence and engagement, there is no school” (Sion, 1999, para. 1).

3. Teacher-Centered Learning “The premise “one size fits all,” which is attributed to a teacher-centered instructional approach, is not working for a growing number of diverse, student populations” (Brown & Laboard, 2003,para.1). • Teacher directs the classroom. • Doesn’t meet diverse needs of students. • Teaching styles conflict with students’ learning styles.

4. Quiet classroom. • Memorization of information. • Limited learning. • Teacher generates ideas (Henriksen, 2010). • Students are passively involved in the learning process. • Computers are not used as tools.

5. Student-Centered Learning “Learner-centered classrooms place students at the center of classroom organization and respect their learning needs, strategies and styles” (Brown, Laboard, 2003, para. 2). • Teacher is a facilitator. • Meets diverse needs of students • Students work individually, in pairs or in small groups.

6. Learning is meaningful. • Involves extensive planning and task-specific classroom management. • Students experience success. • Students generate ideas (Henriksen, 2010). • Students are actively involved in the learning process. • Technology is integrated into the classroom.

7. Developing a Student-Centered Learning Environment that uses Technology to Enhance Student Learning. A student-centered classroom “is an environment where previously reluctant learners transition into engaged learners, taking on the role of helping shape their own curriculum” (Henriksen, 2010, p. 46).

8. Before a student-centered learning environment is designed, a teacher should take in consideration the students’ needs, abilities, and interests, so that they can be grouped in heterogeneous groups. Providing a number of computers, computer applications and software, as well as digital cameras and videos enhance student learning. Develop a vocabulary list with technical terminology and other possible words that they might encounter along the project.

9. Assuming that the teacher is knowledgeable with computer technology, students should be taught at least basic computer skills before they start a project. Grouping students in groups will allow them to collaborate with each other. Schedules for computer use should be prepared to ensure equal access. Provide web sites, links and bookmarks for students’ research. Create templates for graphs, so that students can enter data easily.

10. References Brown, Laboard, K. (2003). From teacher- centered to learner-centered curriculum: Improving learning in diverse classrooms. Retrieved from https://ecampus.phoenix.edu/classroom/ic/library.aspx. Henriksen, A. B. (2010). Student ownership: Learning in a student-centered art room. Retrieved from https://ecampus.phoenix.edu/classroom/ic/library.aspx. Sion, R. (1999). A student-centered vs. teacher-centered approach in the secondary classroom. Retrieved from https://ecampus.phoenix.edu/classroom/ic/library.aspx.