Being a Student Centered Instructor has multiple benefits for the instructor as well as the student that will result in mutual successes for both.
The first benefit to the instructor and student is that of enhanced student rapport, which will facilitate the educational process. When students feel that the instructor is interested in them, they learn much more effectively.
A second benefit is increased flexibility. As you get to know the particular learning style of the students in your class, you develop multiple strategies by which to convey information to your students.
A third benefit is less wasted energy and more efficiency. Talking the ear off of a tactile/kinesthetic student is a horrible inefficient way to infuse them with information. Knowing the correct channel to tune into with them uses less energy and is more likely to result in frequent “Ah ha†moments of illumination.
I know I have been doing this my entire career. When I develop my lessons, I put myself in the student's seat and try to imagine how my lesson will play to them as my audience. When you have a wide range of learners from very capable to not very capable, this is a real challenge.
You have the mix the structure of lesson to touch every student.
I use role reversal techniques in many settings. I find it's use is almost "universal". I always try to get multiple perspectives on a variety of issues. It helps prevent "tunnel vision".
The focus should remain on the student. The student is the reason why instructors are here. If the student is successful so will the instructor.
I feel fortunate that I received most of my early instructor training in the Air Force. The main thrust of all of their programs was the student. So from the start, I have always viewed the student(s) as the main consideration in any educational program. I do not believe, however, that the majority of our educational institutions are student-centered, so their lack of concern for the student sometimes produces instructors with the same lack of concern. In other words, money drives most decisions made by educational institutions rather than student needs.
Making sure the student succeeds. The student is my customer.
Hi Susan:
Great idea! By keeping the student's intrests in mind, we can constantly facilitate what needs to happen to get them to understand and practice a student learning outcome.
Regards, Barry
Being a student-centered instructor will have better understanding of students' needs. They will create an active learning environment for students, and try to help students as much as he/she could. In other words, putting your feet into students' shoes will have better understanding and interaction with students.
If I am viewing my courses from the student's perspective and focusing on what they need to be successful, I will--in turn--achieve my goal. The satisfaction that comes from seing a student grasp the concepts being presented is energizing and fulfilling.
Hi Timothy, student as a customer is a very interesting point of view. It means we would use customer service techniques which could be applicable in our classes, such as listening to complaints.
But just as in a business environment, the customer may not always be right. We can explain (politely) and clearly why this is so, just as a customer service rep might do.
:-) Lyn
Q: How will being a student-centered instructor help you to have success in teaching?
Hi all, the way I read this is "how will a focus on students lead to my success as an instructor." I guess that this first requires me to define what success for me would be.
Since I teach Gen Ed Biology classes, I cannot base success on helping students perform skills that will be directly applicable to a particular job. Students from several career fields are in my class.
The statements I sometimes receive from students that make me feel the class was successful and centered on their needs are something like these.
"I have enjoyed learning many things this session that I never knew about before. You have opened my eyes to a whole new world."
Or, my favorite... "Even though I did not get an A in this class, I have learned much and enjoyed the course."
These statements mean to me that the class was a success for them and for me.
Being student-centered implies that I realize my students may struggle a bit in a topic that is out of their fields, or their comfort zones; and I need to present material in plain English and be accessible for any and all questions.
Lyn
Hello Barry,
I have already answered and posted to this subject!
This question reminds me of something I've heard most of my life... "If you give a man a fish, he will eat today...If you teach a man to fish, he will eat for a lifetime."
When we focus on being student-centered instuctors, we are becoming facilitators of future success stories. When our students become successful, we also achieve success!
As a wise instructor tells me daily "It is all about the student". That is why we are here. I am here each day to give my studetns the opportunity to learn how to be the best lab tech they possibly can as well as to pass boards which will allow them to obtain a job and begin a career.
I always want the students to know that I work for them It is my job to use teaching methodologies that allow the students to learn the material. It is the student's responsibility to learn the material and I have a responsibility to the students to provide each student with an opportunity to learn. This sometimes means meeting with a student to assist with an assignment or being available by telephone or email to answer questions.
Focusing on students helps instructors plan lessons that will meet the needs of the students. I have always thought that it was good for instructors to realize that they would have no job if the students were not there. The students are not there for the benefit of the instructor. The instructor is there for the benefit of the students.
Students need to be the center of the instruction. Being a student centered instructor helps me to design my courses in a way that will be successful to a variety of students. Some student learn better by working independently while others will learn a concept better if they work in a group of students. As an instructor I need to design my courses to get to all the different types of learners.
My approach is that I am not teaching for me but for the student. In my chemistry class for RN students, for example, I tell them immediately that homework is for them, not for me, and that we will go over it in class. They will get full credit for homework if they turn it in, whether or not they get all the problems correct.
I guess I think this issue of being student-centered is obvious; students are the customers and we are providing the learning services for which they are paying. If the school gets a reputation for not providing the needed tools to them, they will go elsewhere to get them.
Hi William:
The point you make is very important. Whether instructors agree or not, a student who feels like the instructor doesn't care will be less likely to fully participate in the class activities, and have poorer outcomes as a result.
Regards, Barry
Hi Lina:
That's it! By keeping the student's outcomes and interests in mind, we can be the most effective type of instructor - those that care.
Regards, Barry
