Jason,
Oh yes the idea of student accountability. I believe that we as educators need to instill/promote that with our students as they sometimes are unaccustomed to this idea.
Renee Shaffer
While I believe it is a great system based on the generation we are dealing with in our school it works well. Our system is
shifting to a partial online system. That appears to be very popular with the younger students. It puts a little more on their
plate.
I’m a little older and whet to school several years ago so I personally don’t care for many of the formats especially working with
other students. I tend to prefer going on my own.
However, if moving towards online and group work keeps students in school I’m all for it.
I think the student-centered learning approach is a good direction to take in higher education. It promotes accountability for the student, which leads to, in the right circumstance, higher retention of knowledge. I think that when students understand that they control their learning process as much as the instructor, and they accept that, they feel a greater sense of responsibility to learn. This can be problematic, because if they if they fail to understand or have a poor response to the idea of being more self-directed, they could tune out, or feel as if there is no one to help them learn. This is where the instructor needs to maintain direct contact and make sure their students know they are available.
Grace,
Learning centered teaching is not for everyone. some instructors do not feel comfortable being motivational so one has to know their strengths.
Renee Shaffer
LE you mention that the learning centered strategy is positive and creates the obligation for the instructor to support the student in their own learning process. Learner-centered instructors get to motivate and encourage their students in ways to think, solve problems, evaluate evidence, and analyze situations—all those learning skills essential to mastering material in the discipline. As we know research consistently confirms that learning skills develop faster if they are taught explicitly along with the content in an adaptive learning environment.
Kristina,
I agree that for most students the teacher-centered model does not motivate them, but it does for some. Having a little diversity it delivery and modeling can meet the needs of all.
Renee Shaffer
The student-centered approach is in line with the changes that have occurred within society over the past 20 years. The dated modeled of teacher-centered does little to motivate students to take an active role in their education.
Shundra, you bring up an excellent point in that the student-centered approach "focuses on students' abilities and learning styles" as I believe this allows us to effectively facilitate a great course for our students. It is also our duty to meet our students' needs.
The student-centered learning approach is highly useful and effective. This trend has grown into a more user friendly approach along with our advancements in technology which also can enhance this learning style. As an instructor, it is important to utilize many effective and diversified teaching approaches. Our purpose is to promote an effective and enhanced learning experience for our students. Active learning gives our students an enjoyable, interactive, fun and an applicable experiential learning journey. It is about "bringing our classrooms to life" whether online or on-campus. This gives our students real-life application in which they can truly utilize their learning and feel they are getting a lot out of the entire course experience.
Francis ,
Great that you have such a positive outlook on this. What happens if the students don't want to shoulder the responsibility?
Renee Shaffer
Vicki,
Yes, there can be a problem between increasing revenues and lowering standards. it will be interesting to see what ultimately happens.
Renee Shaffer
I really like it! When my father taught classes at Arizona State University, the focus was entirely on him. He had a massive lecture hall and students took notes to prepare for the tests. There was little to no interaction between the instructor and the student. All of the focus was on the instructor. They were obligated to share everything the student needed to know to pass the class. In today's world, the student has to shoulder that responsibility. They have are responsible for learning the material versus being told what is important. It is a wonderful shift in mindset.
I believe it is a great approach to teaching and learning. It reminds me of self-study courses I had completing my masters in which the instructor served as a support and resource for your learning,
I do however see problems with implementing such a learning style in the online environment . I find that students are far more removed from the instructor and the information in an online environment. I persistently try to motivate my students to read material or participate in video discussions. The attitude in today's environment has really changed from the past. My impression is that most students feel satisfied to do the minimalist amount of work as possible.
I also feel that colleges are too eager to increase revenues and willing to lower educational standards to accommodate students. Through every process of learning and students expect this.
I would love to see an environment online where students felt more responsible for their education.
Paula,
Yes, I agree that it can bring out the best in instructors as well!
Renee Shaffer
This approach spreads the responsibility to all parties. The student has to decide they want to engage. The student-center approach ensure they can do just that in a wide variety of ways. It encourages meaningful and measurable participation.
If the student decides not to engage they will be held accountable. My role as a teacher is also monitored and measured on the same basis...is the content I am providing useful. The engagement I offer meaningful. Am I helping them be successful. That is how the school will measure my performance.
This approach is win-win in my opinion.
I think a student centered learning approach is absolutely necessary. It keeps the student's at top of mind and will facilitate the best learning environment.
Hi,
I love this approach and have been using it for years. I taught middle and high school for 10 years and implemented this approach before it was truly embraced by my school. As an online instructor, I find it to be quite necessary because we are instructing/learning without the traditional face time. I feel that this way of learning not only empowers the student, but strengthens the instructor's teaching skills as well. As an instructor, it is very gratifying to see your students take ownership of their learning.
Paula Bordenkecher
Eric,
But often students do not know what critical thinking really means.
Renee Shaffer
Sloan,
So you have come to "this side". :)
Renee Shaffer
David,
It is so hard to motivate some students. At a conference right discussing this issue.
Renee Shaffer
