I would be pacing my teaching based on how well the students learn. Quality more so then quantity.
Hi John:
I agree the student will benefit more if the teacher is flexible with their lessons and "reaches and teahes" to the students, rather than some cookie-cutter process that may look great on paper or even hep some students but miss others.
Student cenetered puts the focus on the student.
Regards, Barry
Hello- Being a student-centered instructor helps to maximize student learning. I believe, if an instructor tailors the instruction to the student’s interests or everyday life, the student will be able to relate to the material more. Also, if the student is actively learning by “doing†instead of listening, the information will be more easily retained. -Kathleen Toth
As a librarian, we are 'trained' to be patron/ user/ student centered because without their support and consideration, we would not exist. Therefore, the same rules apply for instructors since if we don't listen to what students want and build on pre-existing knowledge of students, we are robbing them of learning or applying their life experiences or knowledge in new ways.
The students' learning is more important than my teaching. Every teacher must teach to the students' multiple intelligences as often as possible.
Hi Jayme:
Yes, this focus is on the purpose we';re all here for, the Student!
We may need to adjust our curriculim or modify what we usually do somewhat to accommodate a student to improve their learning opportunity.
Student-centered is about learning, traditional models follow a process. Processes may look good on paper but are worthless if the student misses out on learning.
Regards, Barry
Being student centered helps you to really get in touch with WHY you are teaching in the first place. It connects the teacher to the end result and helps the teacher to commit to the process and the students. It also helps teaching be a more enjoyable experience!
Thanks!
Jayme Rawson
Hi Bertram:
Nice sentiments, I think when we're student centered we sort of have to change our focus from our "process" and begin to think about the students "learning". Student centered implies we do what will best teach the student even if it means we may have to adjust our regular curriculum somewhat.
Regards, Barry
Hi Melissa:
Great commentary!
For me, student centerentered suggests that as an instructor, I am willing to make adjustments in my planned curriculum in order to customize or individualize a students training plan. I will prioritize their learning style and background in order to assure my existing sytems and practices have little interference with the students learning - to the degree possible without interfering with other students learning.
Regards, Barry
My job is to serve in the best interest of the student, I will treat all of them as individuals as much as possible. The students will be the star of the show, not me.
Being student centered will mean that we put the student's interests and learning preferences and styles at the forefront, while at the same time empowering them to take responsiblity for their learning. By mixing up media, presentation style, and assignments, we are more likely to reach our students and keep their interest. If we do that, then our students learn. If our students learn, then we are successful. This is what I will strive for as a student-centered instructor.
Hi Margie:
Your opening sentence really says it all. Learning vs. process. Every action we take that individualizes the instruction comes a step closer to student centered.
Regards, Barry
Hi Rainerio:
For me, student centered is like student-focused, where the material we need to teach is individualized or customized somewhat to match the student's learning style or ability. This takes time, thought, and effort, but to the student, it's a worthwhile activity.
Regards, Barry
Being student-centered takes the focus off of the teaching and places it on learning. I have experienced getting so caught up in "my part" of the classroom experience, that I look up one day and realize that I've been deeply connecting with the material, and though I am passionate about the material, it has detracted from my connection with the students. It is a balance of my connection with the material and my connection with the students that gives me the ongoing feedback of whether or not THEY are connecting with the material. I ask for feedback throughout every class so that I am present to their needs in learning and applying the material. I am successful as an instructor when the students "get it" and are able to apply, analyze, and synthesize what they are learning.
I will be able to set my highest priority as the students being able to learn from my class and my students being able to apply the skills and knowledge acquired from my class to their future careers.
Hi Andre:
Yes, and by putting the focus on the stuent, that may mean chaging what we had planned, adjusing our curriculum, or just doing some things differently in order to accomodate the student leraning.
This is a hard activity for many instructors - they are reluctant to let go. In reality, we ought to be facilitating classes, rather than teaching them any way. The more the student learns on their own, the more likely they'll retain and remember the material.
Regards, Barry
It put the focus on the student which would gain trust and respect. After you accomplish that the chances of them retaining knowlege is far greater.
I agree. Study has proved that student centered approach is more effective way of learning approch for the student success. Knowel's theory of andragogy had been proved as a great tool for adult learners success. The pedagogy approach had been used as an instructor centerd approach. lecturing with out any case studies, and small group discussion can not be effective.
Hi Chrisina:
Very pragmatic definition. It true, focusing on the student rather than the teachers fixed method will probably end up with better student results and outcomes.
Regards, Barry
Hi Frank:
I assume all teachers want their students to be successful and achieve the highest performance possible. Student center can facilitate that by finding a match between what needs to be learned and bringing the student to that level. It involves variety, creativity, and courage (by the teacher and student) for optimal success to be realized.
Regards, Barry
