The desired outcome in most situations is for each student to experience the "aha" revelation - the light bulb came on! When students are having difficulty and you, as the instructor, have depleted all of your known methods to get the inforamtion across, and suddenly the student says "I've got it!" Nothing could be sweeter in a classroom.
Hi Suzanne:
Student learning objectives can be very helpful to assist the instructor with seeing if a student has achieved a measureable outcome.
For example, let's say that a student will be able to "discuss" a topic, and be able to articulate the components with 70% accuracy, then we can measure if they can do that very thing.
Regards, Barry
The outcome of student-centered learning is that you have adapted your instructional methods so that all(hopefully)students will understand and be able to apply what they have been taught.
Hi Patrick:
By using student learning outcomes as a measure of what we want the student to be able to do at the end of the course, we can make more efficient assessments during the course.
Regards, Barry
Hi Kathleen:
You are so true - but what you are describing is so valuable for addressing every type of learning style.
What I get from your message is that we ideally need to use a variety of teaching methods.
Regards, Barry
Hi Siomn:
Well, that's definitely important. What we're talking about is using effective strategies when creating SLOs.
What do you want the student to be able to do when they've finished the course?
Regards, Barry
One of my goals is to inspire, motivate and challenge students to learn. We can provide the theory, knowledge and skills about specific subjects, but what is “that spark†which will drive their desire? If “Aha†moments are learner outcomes, what is the “pre-ignition�
Hi Mark:
Another consideration about "student-centered" anything is considering what the student will use the information for in the future.
This is especially true for career oriented training programs.
Regards, Barry
Hi Daniel:
Great points - one way that may work to help keep a student feeling connected is by using an approach that helps the student feel they can approach the instructor.
Some students who don't feel this may need extra help to succeed in the course, but won't pursue it because they don't feel inclined to talk to the teacher.
Regards, Barry
Hi Patrick:
You aska great question - who designs these outcomes? Many times, it is organizational in nature.
However, perhaps the instructor has the most influence of identifying what these are to be, depending on the learning situation. If that were the case, it is important for students to be able to articulate what they will be able to define, discuss, etc. after taking the course.
Regards, Barry
The outcome of student-centered learning is a product the meets the needs of our customers, the students. It is important to know your students' learning, communication and personality styles in order to create a environment conducive to learning for all.
It is awesome, as an instructor, to see that moment when a student has been struggling to understand the material you have been trying to teach the class, and they truly get it and the light bulb goes off. And they have the "OH - now I get it and understand." It is so rewarding.
How do other instructors measure whether or not students are learning the intended knowledge, skills and abilities? Is this information being tracked to improve their role as an instructor? I feel that sometimes SLOs tell you more about an instructor than about the students.
I think the outcome is demonstrated in student confidence. Once a student comprehends the lesson (or subject), then learning has taken place. It is the students ability to confidently express or demonstrate that knowledge, and be assured that he/she is correct in their understanding. Asking the student to help in teaching the concept to others, and showing your trust of that student's ability is the best outcome of student centered learning.
Hi Deborah:
Another way of looking at this is learning outcomes are the "WHAT" a student should know when they finish that class or session/lesson.
Regards, Barry
Students are able to apply the knowledge and skills they learned to their workplace immediately. Student-centered learning is directed at the student and answers the question, "What is in it for me?"
Hi Graham:
Yes! When the teacher is willing to work with the the student's individual needs to learn the material, they are practicing student centered learning.
Regards, Barry
Student centered learning, to me, should put the instructor in the role of a student to determine best practices/methods. Managing a hands on classroom in a career school environment can lead to an array of challenges from a learning style standpoint. Unfortunately, this particular environment often restricts the instructor in the area of presentation. It becomes important to trully try and understand what the student is seeing/perceiving to grasp what is being learned.
Success in testing. However, because some students may be poor test takers, it is wise to engage them in discussions relating to the course - questions and answer periods in class are also helpful in evaluating student knowledge
it is very gratifying to see students out in the world after completing school and having success in the workforce.
