Hi Carol:
Right, customizing to the individual student reaches more attention, focus, and student retention of key information than expecting students to come up (or down) to the level where the teacher is.
Regards, Barry
Hi Mary:
When we stay student centered, we are putting the students need to learn above our systems of grading, delivery and presentation, and testing in favor of the individual student (there learning style, special needs, etc.). Customizing as much as possible would be one way of stating it.
Regards, Barry
Hi Shawna:
True, and ways to get to understand student needs varies a lot depending on the type of class. In general, when each student feels they have access to the teacher, the teacher is courteous and listens, and the teacher makes time for a personal "connection" with each student, understanding of needs, and ways the teacher can help the student achieve success will produce improved student outcomes.
Regards, Barry
Agree, being a student-centered instructor is a key element in student success. A good instructor role model who shows genuine concern for each student has more credibility. The students will realize that he/she is going to assist them in their learning experience.
How could it not? If an instructor is focused and centered on the needs of the students, they can't really go wrong? Students are very aware of the intentions of their instructor pretty early after the first class session based on how the instructor approaches them. Is the instructor concerned about the success of the student? Well, the instructor can reassure the students that it is their (the instructor's) goal to see them succeed in the program. If the instructor takes the time to understand each student and what their needs are, the student will sense that the instructor is genuine.
Success in teaching is measured by enhancing the knowledge of your students. Self-centered teaching enables the student and instructor to learn from each other.
Hi Belinda:
For me, student centered channels the focus onto the student, perhaps a little more so than my planned (and canned) curriculum plans. As each student is an individual, so can their classroom experience be. Student-centered attempts to achieve learning at the highest level for each student.
Regards, Barry
The needs, skills and development of my students would be my priority in preparing them for your chosen career.
Hi Rhonda:
You are right - student centered focuses on the student, their needs and individual learning styles, limitations, stregths, etc. It puts the student first, and the teacher's priorities secondary.
Regards, Barry
Hi Anna:
Student focused puts emphasis on individual student performance vs. a class cenetered, fixed curriculum.
Regards, Barry
By being a student-centered instructor, emphasis is placed on ensuring student learning as opposed to how the instructor is being received in class. This means that the true gauge of success is the learning that occurs, not just the instructional technique exhibited by the instructor.
Students indeed become the focus in such a situation.
It will put my focus where it should always be, on the student. All teachers have lives and daily struggles, but when preparing for and once in the classroom, the students have to be the main focus. I have had teachers that was attentive to everything but the students and it was frustrating and quite frankly, boring. I want students to learn, be excited and discuss our topics once they get out of the classroom. How can they do that if I am not even focused or excited about them and the topics?
Instructor success is measured by student learning. You must be student-centered and teach to each learning style.
Hi Stephen:
Right, I like to say student first, our agenda second.
Regads, Barry
The teacher of a class is the facilitator of information - not the center of attraction. We are the ones that help students "connect the dots". The students must come prepared with the assigned information - the teacher already knows the information. We are in reality enabling the students to share our knowledge and skills.
The nature of my work outside the teaching realm allows me to spend much of my focus upon being student -centered. By realizing the value of knowing the student perspective and the needs of the students, I have created an improved environment for success for all participants (student, guest, and self).
I love to bring my experiences to the class, telling my students of the things I went through and they love it. I worked for a hosptial, Dr's office, billing service, etc. they love it.
If you don't gear your prep and instruction to the level, or expectations of your students, you will lose their attention and enthusiasm for the class or subject. In order to reach them you have to teach to their level.
Being a student-centered instructor is all important in the realm of adult learning. Students are enrolled in career colleges to learn a career and ultimately succeed in the profession of their choice. My job as an instructor is to focus the student, teach them not only the essential theory, but also to allow them to build real life skills to embrace a profession, not just get a job. The success of the student is my ultimate goal. The student-centered instructor observes the total class makeup and also the individual student, to assist each student to succeed and also create a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and skill building as a group and individually.
You draw the students in by putting your focus on them. Of course it is important to bring in your own knowledge and expertise, but putting the student in the forefront gives them ownership and a desire to learn.
