Student centered learning helps instructors to realize what is important to students and to work the curriculum around those goals. Often times instructors have goals that may not allign with the student's and using feedback and gaining understanding helps both instructors and students in the learning process.
Bobbi Bricker
The outcome of student-centered learning is making sure that every student has an opportunity to be successful. The instructor is responsible for delivering instruction that meets the needs of every learner. This can be done through differentiation. I believe that giving students options when it comes to assessment is key to any classroom experience (i.e. portfolios, PowerPoint presentations, etc.).
Hi Gregory:
I agree. I think the more we can individualize student instruction, the better will be the student learning outcome. Sometimes we're tied to institutional requirements that make individualizing a bit difficult. But where we have wiggle room, we should maximise it as fully as possible.
Regards, Barry
Barry,
Student-centered learning allows the instructor to approach the task through the perspective of the student. Take a look at what you teach from the "other side" and you'll notice potential pitfalls or trouble spots. When these areas arise during the course of instruction, you are better prepared to guide the student through the section.
It helps the student better grasp the situation and help you become a better teach/instructor/mentor.
Hi Gregg:
Absolutely! When students are given the opportunity to participate in their learning, they're just going to do better. Practicing, doing, and teaching are all effective activities that lead to improved learning outcomes.
Regards, Barry
Students like to feel like they are in control of what they are learning. Student-centered learning techniques work with all age groups too...with certain modifications of course. I have found that when students have more control over their learning, their motivation increases, and they often can relate their real lives to the activities in the classroom.
Hi Aaron:
What an inspiring story! We all have the potential to do more for our students if we're rightly motivated to do so.
Regards, Barry
I learned the concept of student-centered from a beloved college instructor. He was and Adjunct of English and Composition.
When students would turn in work, he would endeavor to return the work as soon as the next class meeting, which is something that I try to do. However, he would also include detailed (and typed) notes for how to improve. Sometimes his notes were longer than the student work turned in.
He simply put his students first.
Hi William:
I think about Student Learning Outcomes (SLO's) in a couple of ways. One is very broad and more aligned with your comment alluding to life-long learning.
A more specific example involves the mechanics as applied in the classroom. SLO's are the "what" the student should know when successfully complete the unit. Course or unit objectives are the "how" of achieving the SLO's. Media, orgainzied lessons and related resources are the "tools" that are used to perform the tasks. And "assessment" is the measurement against the standards that will determine to what degree the student mastered the subject matter.
Regards, Barry
As much as mastery of the subject matter, successful student-centered learning creates a sense of ownership on the part of the student as to their role in the process. This may even be more important the the material itself particularly as its relates to the idea of life-long learning.
Hi George:
Boy, not an area of expertise for me. All I can suggest is past history scenario's with analysis of what worked and what didn't. Or, you could have student teams plan out scenarios the other groups would have to try to solve or interact.
Regards, Barry
I teach strategic planning for national security. I always have a hard time with "what are my students supposed to learn" after my course, because developing and changing a successful strategy is a nebulous, complex task (i.e. Here's the right way to write a successful strategy for the war in Iraq and Afghanistan). Does anyone have experience they can share with quantifiable learning obj's in the areaof political science / national security where I can reaily assess whether students have learned?
Hi Dr. A:
Also, in a more academic definition, SLO's are the what the student should learn, daily objectives are the how and when, and resources and delivery options dictate the methods we use to achieve the objectives. We could add evaluation as the measurement or our success in achiveing the set goals. But "ideas and opportunities" just sounds good, I like your statement too.
Regards, Barry
Hi Damon:
Well said. As teachers we are responsible to facilitate that change.
Regards, Barry
The outcome of student-centered learning is a cognitive or kinesthetic change in the adult learner. When a student can take the skills and content that has been learned and practiced, and employ it to solve problems in various situations.
The module points out that learning is about change and I would have to agree with this concept. Each new concept that a student learns will change their past experiences by providing new ideas and opportunities. Student-centered learning is about involving the student in the process. Allowing him/her to bring in their own experiences into the classroom and then supplementing what they already know .
Hi Susan:
Your sensitivity to your students difficulties with learning advanced topics is noteworthy! I use the term "an ah-ha" moment, an it is truly inspiring to me when I'm able to contribute to making that happen.
Regards, Barry
My greatest joy when watching students learn is to see that "lightbulb" go on. So much of what I teach can be considered common sense and logical progression,starting with the basics can help them build on a strong foundation. For instance, when talking about oxygen transport in the blood and lungs, it's important they understand the gas laws about equalizing partial pressures. Without that basic knowledge, they cannot grasp the advanced info.
I also try not to identify one student who might know less so I just tell them all - "This is just for review purposes".
Hi Rebecca:
Student learning outcomes (SLO's) are the basic tenets of a course. The objectives state how and when you you'll achieve the SLO's.
Regards, Barry
Hi Winston:
I see a little Covey has rubbed off on you! If we focus on learning outcomes we are more likely to be successful in teaching the right information at the right time.
Regards, Barry
